HARVEY S. TRYON.

Champaign, Illinois, February 14, 1881.

A. D. Finley, Esq., Catlin, Illinois.

My dear sir and comrade: * * * * I well remember and can not forget how on the 19th day of July, 1864, at Peach Tree creek, when I was anxious to know whether the 85th Illinoiswas still in our front beyond, and I called for a volunteer to go forward, ascertain and report, that you very promptly offered to go, and did go, until you were captured almost in my sight. I remember that you were detained for a long time a prisoner and that when you returned to the regiment you were very much emaciated. That I believed then and still believe you had suffered during your incarceration, all the torments of Andersonville. I also remember how grateful I was for the services you so bravely rendered to the whole regiment, and possibly the brigade, for your capture showed me that the rebels were occupying the very ground I had reason to suppose was covered by the 85th Illinois, and enabled me to adjust my line for greater security until ordered to retire by the brigade commander. I could say very much more, if necessary, as reasons satisfactory to me, why your case should be regarded with great favor by the government you aided so much to defend and save.

Very truly,J. W. LANGLEY.

Very truly,

J. W. LANGLEY.

The above letter was written in support of an application for a pension, because of disability incurred while Finley was a prisoner at Andersonville.

Another instance of true courage and manhood was exemplified in the military life and character of Harvey S. Tryon, for a long time a private of company H, but when mustered out, a sergeant. We do not remember this man as specially brilliant in feats of arms, or in the performance of some peculiarly delicate or dangerous military duty, but still aheroin the highest sense, and his memory will be respected as such by all christian men and women who knew him, or shall read this estimate of his christian character. It may be said of him, as probably of very few, if any, others, that during hisentire three years service, performing at all times every military duty required of him, amid the levity, and too often vulgar profanity of the camp, he never omitted his higher duty to the God of his salvation, whom he had vowed to serve. His faith was simple, pure, and firmly grounded. His religious convictions were never compromised or suffered to lie in abeyance, but without ostentation, or self-righteous display, he moved in the midst of his comrades their best friend and safe counsellor, and a daily example of a true life. He had the respect of all who knew him, and his pious influence was reflected upon all who came in contact with him. Since the war he has been continuously preaching the gospel truths he so happily illustrated in his life and character while a soldier. Heroism in this line being so rare in army life, we cannot refrain from saying this much of one who so fully exemplified it in our regiment.

Another brave boy was Sergeant William L. Thralls, of company B. We say boy, for he was only that in years, yet he was endowed with all the qualities of a grand manhood. In camp, and at all times, a gentleman in his deportment; in action, brave, cool, and intelligent. He had attracted the attention of his superior officers, and was to have been recommended for a lieutenancy. In the first onset at the battle of Jonesboro, he was wounded in the leg, and in endeavoring to leave the field, was offered assistance by his comrades, but this he refused, telling them to stick to their guns, as he would not let them leave the field on his account. This circumstance happened under the eye of Colonel Langley, who there and then commended him for his bravery, and offered to send one of the musicians with him, but no he would not accept, refusing with the inborn politeness of a natural gentleman. The colonel pointed him where our hospital was, and the brave young sergeant dragged himselfoff the field. When nearly at the hospital he received a mortal wound through the body, of which he shortly died. We will give, in the colonel's own language, his last sad interview with our brave young comrade. He says:

"After night, and when I had reported my position to General Morgan, I went to look up Thralls, for his coolness impressed me all through the fight. On finding him I learned that after nearly reaching the hospital, he had received another wound through the body, of which he must shortly die. I was shocked to hear it for I greatly wanted that boy to recover, so that I could give him the promotion I intended for him, and he so well deserved. I bent over his dying form, gently touching him, and spoke his name. Upon recognizing me he roused a little and expressed much delight that I had come to see him. He first asked me how the battle had gone, and upon being told, he seemed greatly gratified. He begged to be assured that I was entirely satisfied with his conduct, and upon being told that he was the first man that I had ever seen who refused help from the field, and that such denial evinced a discipline so unusual, and a spirit so unselfish, as to make his conduct specially commendable, and that as a true soldier he had done his whole duty. He seemed content, was willing to die for his country, and be at rest, for he was suffering most intense pain. With a sad heart I bade that boy farewell."

Yes, poor fellow, he was loved by us all, and we deeply mourned his death. It is such men as these whose company is an honor to the living, and over whose memory we meditate with saddened thoughts. But to that galaxy of bright names on high, to which so many names were added during our terrible war, we feel assured that the name of William L. Thralls, is also there, shining with the effulgence of glory. Brave soldier, true comrade, faithful friend, farewell. The pines of Georgia wail a mournful requiem over your last resting place, but your better part has gone to God who gave it; this is the assurance that the bible gives, and we believe it. Suffice it to say, that no braver name appears on the muster roll of company B, than Sergeant William L. Thralls, and what more glorious epitaph than that which comes after: "Died of wounds received at Jonesboro, Ga., September 2, 1864."

THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION.

As we have before stated, we were garrisoning the city of Nashville when we received the Emancipation Proclamation, and during the one hundred days that ensued between its publication and enforcement, there was considerable stir in army circles as to the propriety and legality of such a measure. In our own regiment the officers held a meeting for the purpose, as it were, of ratifying the Proclamation, at which the following resolutions, by Colonel Langley, were spread before the meeting for its approval and adoption:

Resolved, That we are as ready and willing to aid the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, in carrying out his proclamation to emancipate the slaves in certain territory therein mentioned, as a necessary war measure, as we are to aid in the execution of any order from the War Department.

Resolved, That he who fails to see written in unmistakable characters, the doom of slavery as a consequence of the war, must be totally blind to the great panorama of events which daily pass before him, and he who would avoid confusion and anarchy, must also see the necessity of organizing and disciplining slaves, made free by military authority; and further, if organized and disciplined, the great error we commit as a nation, by not employing such persons, so made free, to the most advantageous purposes in crushing out the present rebellion, even if it be to arm and fight them against the rebellious hosts that oppose us.

But these resolutions seemed too radical, and many opposed them strongly. However before three months rolled around, the very men who were the bitterest and loudest in their denunciation of them, at the time, were seeking for commissions in colored regiments. The resolutions pointed out, with true prophetic utterance, the course which the government pursued in regard to the slaves, but at the time they looked to some as being altogether wrong.Tempora et mores mutantur.

RESOLUTION PASSED BY SENATE AND HOUSE OFREPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATEOF LOUISIANA.

Headquarters Military Division of the Miss.

Goldsboro, N. C., April 7, 1865.

The general in chief announces for the information of this army the following resolutions received:

Whereas, The official announcement of the fall of Charleston, the "cradle of secession," has been received, therefore, be it

Resolvedby the senate and house of representatives of the state of Louisiana in general assembly convened, that we tender our most hearty thanks to the gallant officers and men of the army of the illustrious Sherman, who under God have been the instruments of the accomplishment of so glorious an achievement. Be it further

Resolved, That in the late glorious victory of Gen. Sherman, we recognize the hand of God, as directing the affairs of our country, and as an evidence of the speedy return of peace.

[SIGNED.] SIMON BELDON,Speaker of the House of Representatives.[SIGNED.] J. MADISON WELLS,Lt. Gov. and Prest. of the Senate.Approved March 3rd, 1865.

[SIGNED.] SIMON BELDON,Speaker of the House of Representatives.

[SIGNED.] SIMON BELDON,

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

[SIGNED.] J. MADISON WELLS,Lt. Gov. and Prest. of the Senate.

[SIGNED.] J. MADISON WELLS,

Lt. Gov. and Prest. of the Senate.

Approved March 3rd, 1865.

By order of Major General W. T. Sherman.[SIGNED.] L. M. DAYTON, A. A. G.

By order of Major General W. T. Sherman.

[SIGNED.] L. M. DAYTON, A. A. G.

Headquarters 14th Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland,Near Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. 6th, 1864.

Headquarters 14th Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland,

Near Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. 6th, 1864.

Orders.—The general commanding directs that the following orderbe published to all the troops composing the army of the Cumberland.

Headquarters Military Division of the Miss.

In the field near Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. 6th, 1864.

I. The general in chief communicates with a feeling of just pride and satisfaction the following orders of the president of the United States, and telegram of Lieut. Gen. U. S. Grant, on the hearing of the capture of Atlanta.

The national thanks are rendered by the president to Major General W. T. Sherman and the gallant officers and soldiers of his command before Atlanta, for the distinguished ability, courage and perseverance displayed in the campaign in Georgia, which, under the divine favor, has resulted in the capture of the city of Atlanta. The marches, battles, sieges and other military operations that have signalized the campaign must render it famous in the annals of war, and have entitled those who have participated therein to the applause and thanks of the nation.

[SIGNED.] ABRAHAM LINCOLN,President U. S.

[SIGNED.] ABRAHAM LINCOLN,

President U. S.

Ordered:First.That on Monday the 5th day of September, commencing at the hour of twelve o'clock m., there shall be given a salute of one hundred (100) guns at the arsenals and navy yards at Washington, and on Tuesday the 6th day of September, the day after the receipt of this order at each arsenal and navy yard in the United States for the recent brilliant achievements of the fleet and land forces of the United States in the harbor of Mobile, and in the reduction of Fort Powell, Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan. The secretary of war and secretary of navy will issue the necessary orders in their respective departments for the execution of this order.

Second.That on Wednesday, the seventh day of September, commencing at the hour of twelve o'clock m., there shall be a final salute of one hundred (100) guns at the arsenal at Washington and at New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburg, Newport, Ky.; St. Louis, New Orleans, Mobile, Pensacola, Hilton Head and Newbern, or on the day after the receipt of this order, for the brilliant achievements of the army under command of Major General Sherman in the state of Georgia and the capture of Atlanta. The Secretary of war will issue directions for the execution of this order.

[SIGNED.] ABRAHAM LINCOLN,President U. S.

[SIGNED.] ABRAHAM LINCOLN,

President U. S.

Major General Sherman: I have just received your dispatch announcing the capture of Atlanta. In honor of your great victory I have ordered a salute to be fired with shotted guns from every battery bearing upon the enemy. The salute will be fired within an hour amid great rejoicing.

[SIGNED.] U. S. GRANT,Lieutenant General.

[SIGNED.] U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant General.

II. All the corps, regiments and batteries composing this army may, without further orders, inscribe "Atlanta" on their colors.

By order of Major General W. T. Sherman.

[SIGNED.] L. M. DAYTON,Aid-de-camp.

[SIGNED.] L. M. DAYTON,

Aid-de-camp.

Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi,Army of Georgia, Raleigh, N. C, April 27, 1865.

Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi,

Army of Georgia, Raleigh, N. C, April 27, 1865.

The General commanding announces a further suspension of hostilities, and a final agreement with General Johnston which terminates the war as to the armies under his command, and the country east of the Chattahoochie. Copies of the terms of the convention will be furnished Maj. Gens. Schofield, Gilmore and Wilson, who are especially charged with the execution of its details in the Department of N. C., Department of the South, and at Macon and Western Georgia. Captain Jasper Mayres, Ordnance Department, U. S. A., is hereby designated to receive the arms, etc., at Greensboro, and any commanding officer of any post may receive the arms of any detachment, and see that they are properly stored and accounted for. General Schofield will procure the necessary blanks and supply the other army commanders, that uniformity may prevail, and great care must be taken that all the terms and stipulations on our part be fulfilled with the most scrupulous fidelity; while those imposed on our hitherto enemies, be received in a spirit becoming a brave and generous army. Army commanders may at once leave to the inhabitants such of the captured mules, horses, wagons and vehicles as can be spared from immediate use, and the commanding general of armies may issue provisions, animals, or any public property that can be spared to relieve present wants, andto encourage the inhabitants to resume their peaceful pursuits, and to restore the relation of friendship among our fellow citizens and countrymen.

Foraging will forthwith cease, and when necessity for long marches compels the taking of forage, provisions, or any kind of public property, compensation will be made on the spot, or when the disbursing officers are not provided with funds, vouchers will be given in proper form, payable at the nearest military depot.

By order ofMaj. Gen. W. T. Sherman.(Signed) L. M. Dayton,Asst. Adjt. Gen.

By order of

Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman.

(Signed) L. M. Dayton,

Asst. Adjt. Gen.

Headquarters 14th Army Corps, Army of Georgia,Manchester, Va., May 8, 1865.

Headquarters 14th Army Corps, Army of Georgia,

Manchester, Va., May 8, 1865.

Division commanders will, if possible, obtain all necessary supplies, and move their supply trains through Richmond to-morrow, and park them in the vicinity of Hanover Court House, to-morrow night.

On the following day, May 10th, the Army of Georgia will march through the streets of Richmond in review before Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, commanding the military division of the James, the 14th army corps in advance. The column entirely unincumbered with wagons, will be formed as follows: 3rd division, Brevet Maj. Gen. Baird commanding. 2nd division, Brevet Maj. Gen. Morgan. 1st division, Brigadier Gen. Walcott. The head of the column will be at the pontoon bridge and ready to move at 7:30 a. m. The column will cross the upper pontoon bridge, move up 17th street to Cary street, down Cary to 21st street, up 21st to Main street, up Main to 13th street, up 13th to Capitol street, through Capitol to Grace st., up Grace street to Adams street, and thence to Brooks avenue.

The troops will be reviewed with knapsacks, and will carry at least one day's rations in their haversacks. The troops, marching at right shoulder shift, will come to a shoulder arms before passing the Statue of Washington, near the capitol, and will continue the shoulder until passing the reviewing officer, who will be near the same point. Upon passing all troops under arms, or general officers, the usualcompliment of coming to a shoulder will be paid. When the width of the street will permit, the troops will march in column of companies. Neither band nor field musicians will turn out before the reviewing officer.

After passing through the city, the troops will encamp the same night in the vicinity of Hanover Court House. All pack mules, wagons and ambulances, not sent through the city before the 10th instant, will be massed near the bridge, and will, under the supervision of the chief quarter master of the corps, cross the lower pontoon bridge at the same time the troops are passing on the upper bridge, move down Water street, to 22nd street, up 22nd to Franklin street, up Franklin street to 19th street, up 19th to Mechanicsville turnpike, from which road they will join their commands without interfering with the march of the troops.

By order ofBrevet Maj. Gen. J. C. Davis.(Signed) A. C. McClurg,Lieut. Col. and Chief of Staff.

By order of

Brevet Maj. Gen. J. C. Davis.

(Signed) A. C. McClurg,

Lieut. Col. and Chief of Staff.

Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi.

In the field, Washington, D. C, May 30th, 1865.

The general commanding announces to the armies of the Tennessee and Georgia, that the time has come for us to part. Our work is done and armed enemies no longer defy us. Some of you will be retained in service until further orders. And now that we are about to separate to mingle with the civil world, it becomes a pleasing duty to recall to mind the situation of national affairs, when but little more than a year ago we were gathered about the towering cliffs of Lookout mountain, and all the future was wrapped in doubt and uncertainty. Three armies had come together from distant fields, with separate histories, yet bound by one common cause, the union of our country, and the perpetuation of the government of our inheritance. There is no need to recall to your memories Tunnel Hill, with Rocky Face mountain, and Buzzard Roost Gap, with the ugly forts of Dalton behind. We were in earnest and paused not for danger and difficulty, but dashed throughSnake Creek Gap and fell on Resaca, then on to the Etowah, to Dallas, Kenesaw, and the heats of summer found us on the banks of the Chattahoochie, far from home and dependent on a single road for supplies. Again we were not to be held back by any obstacle, and crossed over and fought four heavy battles for the possession of the citadel of Atlanta. That was the crisis of our history. A doubt still clouded our future, but we solved the problem, and destroyed Atlanta, struck boldly across the state of Georgia, severed all the main arteries of life to our enemy, and Christmas found us at Savannah. Waiting there only long enough to fill our wagons, we again began a march which for peril, labor and results, will compare with any ever made by an organized army. The floods of the Savannah, the swamps of the Combahee and Edisto, the high hills and rocks of the Santee, the flat quagmires of the Pedee and Cape Fear rivers were all passed in midwinter, with its floods and rains in the face of an accumulating enemy, and after the battles of Averysboro and Bentonville, we once more came out of the wilderness to meet our friends at Goldsboro. Even there we paused only long enough to get our clothing, to reload our wagons, and again pushed on to Raleigh and beyond, until we met our enemy suing for peace instead of war, and offering to submit to the enjoined laws of his and our country. As long as that enemy was defiant, nor mountains, nor rivers, nor swamps, nor hunger, nor cold had checked us, but when he who had fought us hard and persistently offered submission, your general thought it wrong to pursue him farther, and negotiations followed which resulted as you all know in his surrender. How the operations of this army have contributed to the final overthrow of the confederacy and the peace which now dawns on us, must be judged by others, not by us, but that you have done all that men could do, has been admitted by those in authority, and we have a right to join in the universal joy that fills our land because the war is over, and our government stands vindicated before the world by the just action of the "volunteer armies of the United States."

To such as remain in the military service, your general need only remind you that success in the past was due to hard work and discipline, and that the same work and discipline are equally important in the future. To such as go home, he will only say that our favored country is so grand, so extensive, so diversified in climate, soil and productions, that every man may find a home and occupation suited to his taste, and none should yield to the natural impatience sure to result from our past life of excitement and adventure. You will be invited to seek new adventures abroad, but do not yield to the temptation, for it will lead only to death and disappointment. Your general now bids you all farewell with the full belief that as in waryou have been good soldiers, so in peace you will make good citizens, and if, unfortunately, new war should arise in our country, "Sherman's army" will be the first to buckle on its old armor and come forth to defend and maintain the government of our inheritance and choice.

By order ofMaj. Gen. W. T. Sherman.(Signed.) L. M. Dayton,Asst. Adjt. Gen'l.

By order of

Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman.

(Signed.) L. M. Dayton,

Asst. Adjt. Gen'l.

Headquarters 125th Regt. Ills. Vols.,Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 7th, 1864.

Headquarters 125th Regt. Ills. Vols.,

Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 7th, 1864.

Sir: In compliance with orders I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this command in the recent campaign, from its commencement in May, until its arrival at Atlanta on the 4th instant.

In order for me to make this report nearly accurate, I must depend mainly upon the notes of Col. O. F. Harmon and Lieut. Col. James W. Langley, respectively, commanders of the regiment from the commencement of the campaign until the first day of the present month, when the command fell to me.

Forming a part of the 3rd brigade, 2nd division, 14th army corps, this regiment, commanded by Col. O. F. Harmon, numbering four hundred and forty-nine effective men, left Lee and Gordon's mills, Ga., on the 3rd day of May last, where it had being doing, in connection with the brigade commanded by Col. Danl. McCook, out-post duty, and marched to Ringgold, where it joined the division commanded by Brig. Gen. Jeff. C. Davis. After a day or two of rest at the last named place, the forward march was resumed and continued until we faced the enemy before Buzzard Roost Gap, on the road to this point, skirmishing with the retreating foe at different points, and at Buzzard Roost we were most of the time, during several days, actively engaged with the enemy's skirmishers, but lost no men. The regiment participated in the flank movement through Snake Creek Gap, which move gained Buzzard Roost. This march was long and tedious, but was borne by all cheerfully and without complaint. At Resaca we met the enemy and were engaged actively with him. The regiment occupied a temporary line of works immediately in front of, and but a few hundred yards from, the worksof the opposing forces. Here, as in previous instances, every man did his duty, until the flight of the enemy from Resaca, on the night of the 14th of May, opened the following morning a new field of labor. An expedition to Rome, Ga., was fitted out for our division, and on the morning of the 15th, the regiment was detailed with one section of battery I, 2nd Ills. Arty., to command and guard the division supply and ordnance train in rear of the marching column of the division to that city. The regiment took no part in the fight at Rome on the 17th; arrived with its important charge on the following day; remained at Rome doing various duty until the 24th day of May, when the entire division took up its line of march towards Dallas. Joined the army of the Tennessee, to which the division was temporarily attached, near the last named place, on the 26th day of May. The next encounter with the enemy, was at Dallas, on the night of the 27th of May, when we were attacked by a superior force while engaged in relieving the 22nd Ind., who were doing picket duty. The enemy succeeded in capturing, owing to the unavoidable condition of the lines at that moment, fourteen enlisted men, and one commissioned officer, and wounding three others, enlisted men. But this temporary disaster was quickly, though but partially, compensated, by the capture of one captain, one lieutenant and twenty-five enlisted men from the enemy. On the following morning the pickets drove the enemy back with a loss of twenty killed and wounded, but two men wounded on our side. Until we reached Kenesaw Mountain on the 27th of June, nothing worthy of note occurred, although we daily faced the foe. At Kenesaw Mountain, on the morning of the 27th of June, the regiment, in connection with the brigade, formed part of the attacking column that was on that day hurled against the enemy's works. The 125th regiment was the foremost in the brigade. The conflict was short and bloody, and it is painful to record that a repulse to our forces along the entire line, was the result. Never fought troops better than on that day, and attention is called to the casualties in this command alone, which were one hundred and twenty in the short space of twenty minutes, nearly one half of which were in the list of killed, and also that the brigade rallied within sixty yards of the enemy's works, threw up intrenchments under a heavy fire, and held them until the night of July 3rd, when the enemy evacuated their lines and retreated towards Atlanta. In the above mentioned engagement we lost several brave officers and men, chief among whom was the colonel of the regiment, of whom it may not be inappropriate here to remark that a braver or more efficient officer in line of his peculiar duties, the army of the Union does not contain. The command at this point devolved upon Lt. Col. James W. Langley, who commanded the regiment through the engagement at the Chattahoochieriver, July 5th, and at Peach Tree creek, on the 19th of July, in both of which it was actively engaged, and subsequently until, in the midst of the battle of Jonesboro, Sept. 1st, when Col. Dilworth, brigade commander, was wounded and carried off the field, the command of the brigade devolved upon him (Lt. Colonel Langley), and that of the regiment upon myself. During the whole of the engagement at Jonesboro, the officers and men exhibited courage worthy of the cause for which they fought. The regiment while yet under command of Col. Langley, reached the crest of the hill just in front of the rebel battery engaging the enemy in the open field, contributed greatly in aiding the 2nd brigade on our left to scale the enemies' works. Here they fought with the desperation of men determined to win, and they did win, though not until my regiment had lost an officer and three men killed, thirty enlisted men wounded, some six or eight of them mortally. At dark the regiment was formed in line with the 85th, 86th and 110th Ills., when we built a strong line of works. The troops were marched to Jonesboro and put in temporary camp. The regiment and brigade were ordered to Atlanta, Sept. 4th, in charge of nearly two thousand prisoners captured in the Jonesboro fight, and went into camp at this place, where it now remains, and it is sincerely hoped, that if the campaign is over, it will remain until, in the opinion of the powers that be, it is needed in the field for active operations.

I respectfully submit and herewith transmit, a list of casualties in the command since May 3rd, up to the close of this campaign. In conclusion I would say in behalf of the officers and enlisted men of this regiment, that they, with few exceptions, most manfully and soldierly in every engagement in which the regiment has participated, stood up and faced the foe, while many fell dead on the field. It would be difficult to make special mention of names, and do ample justice to all and injustice to none. A grateful country will reward them all for their noble services. The survivors of Kenesaw and subsequent battles, can never forget our patriotic dead, Colonel Harmon, Captains Fellows and Lee, and Lt. McClane, fell at the former place where duty called them. At Peach Tree Creek, Lieut. Jones, of company D, commanding company B, died as he had lived, a true christian soldier. Lieut. White, who so nobly fell at the crossing of the Sand Town road, was loved and respected by all whose good fortune it was to have his acquaintance. Again at Jonesboro, the daring and faithful Captain Charles fell in the discharge of his immediate duty. So, too, Sergeant Thralls, who for more than two months, had commanded company B, wounded in the leg during the hottest of the engagement, received his fatal wound from a stray bullet while his wound was being dressed. My confidencein him as a company commander, was always firm, because I knew him to be a brave man.

Very Respectfully,Your obdt. servant.(Signed.) G. W. Cook.Captain commanding regiment.

Very Respectfully,

Your obdt. servant.

(Signed.) G. W. Cook.

Captain commanding regiment.

List of casualties in the 125th regiment Illinois volunteer infantry from May 3rd to September 6th, 1864:

May 11th, Buzzard Roost, Ga., 1 enlisted man wounded.

May 15th, Resaca, Ga., 1 enlisted man wounded.

May 31st, Dallas, Ga., 1 commissioned officer missing, 5 enlisted men wounded, 14 missing.

June 27th, Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., 4 commissioned officers killed, 1 missing; 50 enlisted men killed, 63 wounded, 6 missing.

July 5th, Chattahoochie River, Ga., 1 commissioned officer wounded.

July 19th, Peach Tree Creek, 1 commissioned officer killed, 1 enlisted man killed, 3 wounded, 1 missing.

August 5th to 12, before Atlanta, Ga., 1 commissioned officer killed, 3 wounded; 13 enlisted men wounded.

Sept. 1st, Jonesboro, Ga., 1 commissioned officer killed, 6 enlisted men killed, 29 wounded.

Respectfully submitted,(Signed.) Geo. W. Cook,Captain Commanding.

Respectfully submitted,

(Signed.) Geo. W. Cook,

Captain Commanding.

REPORT OF SAVANNAH CAMPAIGN.

Headquarters 125th Regiment Illinois Volunteers,

Near Savannah, Ga., December 29th, 1864.

Sir: In pursuance of orders, I have the honor to respectfully submit the following report of the operations of my command from the fall of Atlanta to the fall of Savannah:

Reached Atlanta on the 4th day of September last, at which point it remained in a state of inactivity, resting from the fatigues incurred on the previous campaign, until the 29th of same month when, in connection with the brigade, it started for Florence, Alabama, by rail, via Chattanooga, Huntsville and Athens, to check the advance of Gen. Forrest, who was marching through that district. It did not proceed as far as Florence, owing to its having been ordered back to Huntsville on train guard duty, and upon returning was prevented from rejoining the balance of the troops composing the expedition, by the rapid rise of Elk river.

Remained at Athens until the return of the brigade from Florence, performing while there daily picket duty. Left the former place on the 13th day of October and reached Chattanooga on the 14th. Remained at the last named point four days, when we started for and rejoined the corps at Galeville, Ala., on the 22nd. Remained at this place several days, when the column was headed toward Atlanta, Ga., which we reached Nov. 15th, having made short halts at Rome, Kingston and Cartersville. Between the last named place and Atlanta, the command was engaged in "demoralizing" the railroad, the extent of which will be found in subjoined recapitulation.

On the 16th of November, having obtained a thorough outfit and forming a part of the left wing of the grand army, it started for the "new base." Reached Savannah 21st inst., upon the previous evacuation of the city, and went into camp about two miles from the place, where it now remains ready at any moment to "strike tents," hoping that its next field of operations will be South Carolina. With the exception of a slight skirmish with the enemy in front of Louisville, Ga., nothing occurred to disturb the equilibrium of the march between Atlanta and Savannah. During the entire march the command subsisted upon supplies found in the country, (which were abundant) with the exception of five days issue from the regular supplies, thus destroying vast quantities of material belongingto the enemy, and contributing much to the bone and muscle of the army.

Forage was obtained to subsist all animals including those captured.

This command destroyed no cotton or gins owing to the fact that such duty was not assigned it. Deeming negroes an encumbrance they were prohibited from attaching themselves to the command.

I am SirVery RespectfullyYour Obedient Servant,(Signed.) Geo. W. Cook,Captain Commanding Regiment.

I am Sir

Very Respectfully

Your Obedient Servant,

(Signed.) Geo. W. Cook,

Captain Commanding Regiment.

Headquarters 125th Illinois Volunteer Infantry,

Goldsboro. N. C, March 28th, 1865.

Captain: I have the honor to submit herewith a report of the operations of my command from the day on which it left Savannah, Georgia, until I assumed command of the brigade on 19th day of the present month:

January 20th, 1865. My command left camp at 7 o'clock a. m. and marched 8 miles on the Louisville road, and went into camp where we remained four days. On the 24th of January regiment was ordered on fatigue duty, cut poles and built 350 yards corduroy road.

January 25. Left camp at 7 a. m. and marched 18 miles.

January 26. Left camp at 7 a. m. and marched over very bad roads for 8 miles. Encamped for the night one mile north of Springfield, Ga.

January 27. Left camp at 7 a. m. This and the 22nd regimentIndiana volunteers were detailed as train guards, both under my command. Guards and trains were delayed nearly all day at the confluence of several small streams called the "Runs." The command reached camp at 10 p. m., having marched but five miles.

January 28. Left camp at 8 a. m. and marched to within one mile of Sister's Ferry on the Savannah river, where we went into camp and remained until February 5th at 6 p. m., when the command crossed the river and encamped on the South Carolina side, where it remained until February 8th, when we marched at 7 a. m. and camped at night at Brighton, having travelled only 7 miles, but over very bad roads.

February 9. Left camp at 7 a. m. and marched rapidly all day over good roads. Made 20 miles and went into camp at 5 p. m.

February 10. Left camp at 6:30 a. m., marched 20 miles over good roads and went into camp.

February 11. Left camp at 6:30 a. m. This and 22nd regiment Indiana volunteers were detailed as train guards under my command. Marched through Barnwell and reached camp late, having made about 12 miles.

February 12. Left camp at 6:30 a. m.; passed through Williston, on the Augusta and Charleston railroad, about noon. Marched 18 miles and encamped at night on the Edisto river.

February 13. Crossed the Edisto at 6:30 a. m, and worked on the north side three hours building corduroy roads. Went into camp two miles beyond the river at 10 a. m., and marched again at 1 p. m., moved five miles and went into camp for night.

February 14. Left camp at 6:30 a. m. and marched 20 miles, crossing north Edisto in the route.

February 15. Left camp at 7:30 a. m., marched 20 miles and encamped at night two miles from Lexington.

February 16. Left camp at 6 a. m.; marched to near Columbia, S. C. On the afternoon of this day the command made a retrograde movement five miles and encamped at night on the south side of Saluda river.

February 17. Left camp at 6 a. m., crossed the Saluda, marched 20 miles and encamped for the night on Broad river.

February 18. The command crossed Broad river at 9 a. m. and went into position on the north side to the left and front of the 2nd brigade At 3 p. m. I was ordered with my regiment to make a reconnoisance towards the Winnsboro road. Went about four miles, crossed Little river, and with one company pushed skirmishers as far as directed. I then withdrew, recrossed Little river and returned to camp.

February 19. The command tore up and effectually destroyed 475 yards of railroad track and ties and marched four miles.

February 20. Marched at 6 a. m. and encamped on Little river.

February 21st. Left camp at 2 p. m. This and the 52nd Ohio regiment, were detailed as rear guard for the corps train. Reached camp at 11 p. m., having marched 15 miles.

February 22nd. Marched 6 miles and went into camp.

February 23rd. Marched 10 miles and went into camp.

February 24th. Crossed Catawba river. Regiment worked all day assisting wagons out of the mud and corduroying roads.

February 25th. Worked all day on roads.

February 26th. Worked five companies all day on roads.

February 27th. No move. Worked five companies one half day on roads.

February 28th. Left camp at 1 p. m. Assisted part of corps train up the hill on north side of Catawba river, after which the command marched five miles as train guard, and reached camp at 10 p. m.

March 1st. Left camp at 6 a. m., and marched 21 miles.

March 2nd. Left camp at 6 a. m., and marched 13 miles.

March 3rd. Left camp at 6 a. m. This regiment with the 52nd O. V. I., under my command, were detailed as train guards; passed over some very bad roads, and reached camp at 10 p. m., after a march of 23 miles.

March 4th. Left camp at 6 a. m., and encamped on the Great Pedee river at 4 p. m. The regiment worked at corduroying roads until after dark. The command remained in camp until March 7th, at 2 p. m., when it moved down to the pontoon bridge, which it crossed at 4 p. m., after which it marched one and one half miles and went into camp for the night.

March 8th. Left camp at 6 a. m. Marched 25 miles and went into camp at 6 p. m.

March 9th. Left camp at 8 a. m. This regiment, and the 52nd O. V. I., and one section of the 19th Ind. battery, all under my command, marched as rear guard for the corps train. Crossed Downing creek at 3 p. m., and destroyed the bridges. The vanguard of the enemy came up before the destruction was complete, but upon observing us, it retired. My command did not reach camp that night We assisted wagons out of the mud until 3 o'clock of the morning of March 10th when the jaded and exhausted animals gave out, and the guards rested by the road side until day light, when we resumed the labor of assisting wagons over the bad roads. We reached the division camp at 8 a. m., where we rested one hour and then resumed the march in column. Marched 15 miles and went into camp at 4 p. m.

March 11th. Left camp at 9 a. m. Marched to within two miles of Fayetteville, N. C, and went into camp at 2 p. m.

March 12th. Left camp at 6 p. m. Crossed the Cape Fear riverat 9 p. m., and went into camp behind rebel fortifications on the north side.

March 13th. Moved two miles for change of camp.

March 14th. Remained in camp all day.

March 15th. Left camp at 9 a. m. Marched 12 miles as rear guard for trains.

March 16th. Left camp at 6 a. m. Marched about 8 miles and met the enemy strongly entrenched near Black river, ready to dispute our further advance. My regiment went into position about 2 p. m. on the right of the second line. At 4 p. m. I moved in reserve of the brigade and at sundown took position on the left of the front line for the purpose of filling a gap then existing between the 1st and 3rd brigades. I established my line within 74 yards of the enemies' line of fortifications, and constructed works. My loss was one man wounded severely. The enemy retreated during the night.

March 17th. Left camp at 8 a. m. Forded Black river and Black Mingo creek, and after a march of 10 miles, went into camp for the night.

March 18th. Left camp at 5:30. Marched 11 miles and encamped at 1 p. m. for the afternoon and night.

March 19th. Left camp at 9 a. m., and marched about four miles down the Goldsboro road, at which point we left the road and turned to the right. Moved about one half mile in this direction and went into position on the right of the second line, in which position we remained about two hours, when we, with the brigade, were ordered out, and directed to push across to the road to our left. In this movement the brigade was in single line with my regiment on the left. After wandering through numerous swamps, over brush, vines and briars, we reached a position and formed line parallel with the road. This advance was disputed all the way by rebel skirmishers, to meet which I ordered out as skirmishers, two companies commanded by Capt. Halloway. Our new formation on the road was scarcely completed, when heavy firing on the right of the brigade, denoted that the contest was to be a severe one. Stepping into the road and casting my eye in the direction of the firing, I observed a strong column of the enemy, four lines deep, moving against the point where I supposed the right of the brigade rested. My suppositions soon proved correct, and after a brief contest, I observed that the right was giving away before the advance of the rebel column. At this instant a line of rebels struck my front and that of the left wing of the 22nd Ind. on my right. This line was met by our troops without yielding an inch, and after a severe fight of five minutes, the rebels fell back and were easily kept at bay, by a strong line of skirmishers. But not so on my right, for by this time the main column of the enemy had advanced to within one hundredyards of the right of my regiment, and the left wing of the 22nd Ind. on my right was beginning to give way. My position was fast becoming untenable, besides I was apprehensive that the confusion incident to a repulse on the right of the brigade, might result to the enemy's advantage, in making many captures, and I determined at once to defeat, as far as possible, this object, and at the same time better my own situation, to do which I immediately executed a change of front to the rear, on left company, and then presented a front direct to that of the enemy. This movement was not executed by the entire regiment at once, nor after the approved system of battalion drill, but by detaching two companies at a time from the right and placing them on the new alignment. In this way I kept most of my line continually firing upon the advancing column. This change, which gave me the advantage of a direct fire, induced the enemy to move by its left flank and deploy his four depth column to a double line formation, which movement again threatened my right. On noticing this I again changed front to the rear as before. Finding myself nearly surrounded and with no prospect of support, I directed my regiment to retire firing, which was bravely done as it had maintained every position in which it had been placed. My left, which had not up to this time moved ten feet from its original position on the Goldsboro road, was the last to withdraw, nor was this done until the first line of the enemy was within fifty yards of my two left companies, when they deployed as skirmishers and fell back firing. I have no wish to make a bright picture for my regiment beyond what the facts will justify. I have commanded it under very critical circumstances on former occasions. I have witnessed the conduct of many regiments in perilous situations, but I never saw a body of troops act with greater coolness, or more heroic daring, than the 125th Ills, manifested on the eventful 19th instant. When the enemy's firing was hottest, my men were most earnest. Not one man left the ground until ordered to do so. Every man seemed to appreciate that the efforts of the regiment were being bent towards the safety of the brigade, and every man was determined to do all in his power for that object. Far be it from me to claim a higher quality of bravery for my men than belongs to other troops of the brigade. If I were even disposed to be jealous of the prowess of my own command, I could say nothing to disparage the claims of other regiments to equal bravery with my own.Theywere suddenly attacked without warning, and in a position where their flank was too boldly exposed, not to tempt the utmost efforts of the enemy to fall vigorously upon it. Once started they were easily pressed back. Being made aware of the situation on the right, I prepared my command for any emergency. While all the officers and men of my command did nobly, yet I cannot forbear to call special attention tothe conspicuous bravery of Captain Geo. W. Cook, acting field officer, and adjutant Wm. Mann, for their eminent services in preserving at all times a good alignment and directing the fire of different parts of the line. I also commend to your notice, W. Blackeney, sergeant major; George W. B. Sadorus, of company E; Barton Snyder, sergeant of company I, and Louis Taft, corporal of company E, whose cool bravery and noble daring, won for them the admiration of all who saw them. When my regiment withdrew as far as the open field to the rear, I observed that Captain Snodgrass, commanding the 22nd Ind., had formed the basis of a new alignment, about three hundred yards to the rear and left of the first position. I determined at once to form my regiment on his left, and directed the colors to be placed on that prolongation, and formed line accordingly. While this was being done, you reported to me that General Fearing was wounded and disabled for further command. I immediately turned the command of my regiment over to Captain Cook, and by virtue of seniority in rank, assumed command of the brigade.

The subsequent operations of the regiment, will be reported by Captain Cook.

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