Illinois Adjutant General’s Report

Regimental and Unit Histories

 

96th Illinois Infantry

The NINETY-SIXTH INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS was recruited by companies, under the call of the

President of the United States, during the months of July and August 1862, and mustered into

service as a Regiment at Camp Fuller, September 6, 1862.

Six companies, A, E, F, H, H and K, were from JoDaviess county, and four, B, C, D and G, from

Lake county. The mustering into one Regiment of men from Lake, the northeastern county

bordering Lake Michigan, and JoDaviess the northwestern county on the banks of the

Mississippi, although separated by a distance of two hundred miles, was but the reuniting of old

friends, who, in the past, had been associated in the old first Congressional District of this State.

The union proved one of lasting harmony and good comradeship, thereby increasing the

efficiency of the Regiment.

The month of September was spent in arming, equipping and drilling the men for the field, much

proficiency being made therein.

October 6, the Rebel forces under General Braxton Bragg being on the march toward Louisville,

Kentucky, and those under General Kirby Smith threatening Cincinnati, O., orders were received

to hold the men in readiness to move on short notice.

October 8, orders were received to proceed at once to the defense of Cincinnati. By noon the

Regiment, under command of Colonel Thomas E. Champion, was on the cars, and at midnight

on the 10th was at its destination. Crossing the Ohio River on pontoons and reporting to Major

General Gordon Granger it was assigned a position in the batteries in front of Covington and

Newport, Ky.

The first real duty of a soldier was here performed and within sound of the enemy's guns. The

Regiment was attached to and became a part of the Second Brigade, Third Division of the Army

of Kentucky, the Division being under the command of that courteous gentleman and thorough

soldier Brigadier General Absalom Baird, of the regular army, and the Brigade under Colonel

Cochran, of the Fourteenth Kentucky Infantry.

October 19, Lieutenant Colonel Isaac L. Clarke, with Companies A, E, F, G and H, was ordered

to the front via Falmouth as escort to a commissary train, and on the 29th, Colonel Champion

was ordered with the other five companies to proceed to Lexington, Kentucky, which point was

reached November 4, the detachment under Lieutenant Colonel Clarke being already there.

November 14, the Regiment moved to Harrodsburg, where it remained guarding rebel prisoners

taken at Perryville until the 28th, when it proceeded to join the Division at Danville, leaving

Companies A and E under Captain George Hicks, for some six weeks longer.

December 26, moved out toward Lebanon Junction to intercept John H. Morgan, but the enemy

escaping, the command returned to Danville, where it remained until January 26, 1863, when

orders were received to join the Army of the Cumberland, near Murfreesboro, Tenn. Tents were

immediately struck and the troops, the Second Brigade being then under the command of Colonel

Smith D. Atkins, Ninety-second Illinois, marched to Louisville, Ky. Arriving at Louisville

January 31, the Division embarked on steamers going down the Ohio River to Smithland at the

mouth of the Cumberland River, thence up the Cumberland to Nashville, Tenn., under the

convoy of gunboats.

Reaching Ft. Donelson the night of February 3, the gunboats were attacked by General Wheeler,

who, assaulting the Eighty-third Illinois, then in garrison, was handsomely repulsed. Troops

were landed but were not engaged, as the enemy retreated hastily.

February 7, arrived at Nashville, Tenn., disembarked on the 8th, and went into camp south of the

city, until March 5, when the Brigade proceeded to Franklin, 18 miles south, to reinforce the

First Brigade under John Coburn then engaged at Spring Hill.

March 9 to 12, skirmished with the enemy under General VanDorn, driving him south of Duck

River, after which the command returned to camp at Franklin.

March 27, ordered to Brentwood in rear of Franklin, where the Ninety-sixth and Ninety-second

Illinois threw up a strong line of field works. Returned to Franklin, April 8. The Brigade was

here attacked by General VanDorn, April 10, but repulsed with some loss. On the night of April

16, while the Regiment was on picket, Company F was attacked and one man, James M. Scott,

killed.

June 2, the Division marched to Triune, Tenn., and on the 11th skirmished with the enemy under

General Wheeler.

June 14, the Army of Kentucky was reorganized and made a part of the Reserve Corps of the

Army of the Cumberland, the Ninety-sixth being assigned to the First Brigade, First Division of

said Corps, our commanders being the same, Colonel Smith D. Atkins, of the Ninety-second

Illinois, Brigade Commander, Brigadier General A. Baird Division Commander, and Major

General Gordon Granger commanding the Corps.

June 23, the Division joined the right wing of the Army operating against the rebel forces under

General Bragg, passing through Salem, and across Stone River in the face of the enemy and

during a terrific storm.

At Walnut Grove Church, the Ninety-sixth was detached to escort a large body of rebel prisoners

to the rear. Having delivered the same to the commander at Murfreesboro, the Regiment rejoined

its Brigade on the Shelbyville Pike.

July 1, entered Shelbyville, Tenn., having driven the enemy out of his strong line of earthworks,

through the city and across Duck River.

July 3, marched to Wartrace, through heavy storm, and there went into camp.

July 6, Colonel Smith D. Atkins having secured the assignment of his Regiment to the mounted

Infantry, Colonel Thomas E. Champion became the Brigade Commander.

August 12, the Brigade marched to Elk River, near Estell Springs. General James B. Steedman

was here assigned to the command of the Division, General Baird having been granted a leave of

absence by reason of ill health, and General Walter C. Whittaker to the command of the Brigade.

Remained at Elk River and vicinity until September 7, when the Ninety-sixth Regiment, together

with all the troops of the Reserve Corps that could be spared from guarding the railroad, three

and one half Brigades (14 Regiments of Infantry and 3 batteries of Light Artillery) were collected

and hurried forward to reinforce General Rosecrans, now south of the Tennessee River.

September 12, reached Bridgeport, Ala., crossed the Tennessee River and bivouacked on the

south side.

September 13 and 14, forced march on south side of river across Lookout Mountain to Rossville,

Ga., a distance of 40 miles over mountainous roads, in less than 36 hours.

September 18, moved out on Ringgold to McAfee Church and engaged the enemy, losing

Corporal Elisha Haggert, Co. D, killed, and several men wounded. The fighting continued the

19th, with the loss of Captain Charles E. Rowan, captured, and several men wounded, but not

until Sunday, September 20, did the Regiment receive its full baptism of blood, and then, on the

right of the historic field of Chickamauga.

About 11 o'clock A.M., September 20, 1863, General Steedman, leaving but one Brigade to cover

the ground assigned him, and without orders gathered up the two and one half Brigades of 10

Regiments and 2 Batteries, and hurried to the support of General Thomas, 4 miles distant.

Reporting to Thomas, he was assigned to the left center, but before becoming engaged, finding

the enemy were endeavoring to turn his right, General Steedman was ordered to that flank,

where, at 1 P.M., he was engaged and before night had set in that brave soldier and Christian

gentleman, Lieutenant Colonel Isaac L. Clarke, was killed, Lieutenants Nelson R. Simms and

George F. Barnes mortally wounded, Captains A. Z. Blodgett and William F. Taylor, Lieutenant

William Vincent, B. G. Blowney, S. B. Funk and Theodore F. Clarkson severely wounded, and

220 of the rank and file, over 50% of the men engaged, were killed, wounded, or missing, but the

command held the ground upon which it had fought Longstreet's veterans so gallantly, and only

left the line when night closed the battle.

On the 21st, the Division held Mission Ridge near Rossville, where the Ninety-sixth lost two

companies, after a determined resistance, C and H under command of Lieutenants Charles W.

Earle and Charles H. Yates, they being left on picket when the army fell back that night to

Chattanooga.

September 23, Brigade ordered to Moccasin Point, north side of Tennessee River, and opposite

Lookout Mountain. Here the men were subject to artillery and picket firing daily, from the

enemy on and around the point of the mountain.

October 9, the army was re-organized, the reserve corps broken up and distributed to other

commands, the Ninety-sixth Regiment assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division, Fourth

Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, with which it continued until mustered out of service at

close of war.

During much of the time while on Moccasin Point the weather was exceedingly bad, the men

sadly in want of clothing, camp equipage and rations. One-fourth rations being issued for some

time and on the morning of October 26, when under orders for Brown's Ferry, one ear of corn

was issued to each officer and man for the day's rations.

October 27, crossed the river into Wauhatchie Valley, returning to bivouac on the Point; recrossed

on the 29th to support General Hooker, in which engagement the Regiment lost several

men. Returning to the Point again, to remain but a few days, as on November 1, the Division

now under command of Major General David S. Stanley, General Walter C. Whittaker

commanding the Brigade, took up its line of march on the south side of the Tennessee River for

Shellmound, Tenn., and the Regiment was placed on out-post duty in Nickajack Core., Ga. The

troops were here more comfortable than on Moccasin Point, being in receipt of full rations and an

abundance of clothing.

November 20, six days rations were issued; reconnoitered the enemy's line. The 23d, marched up

the Wauhatchie and joined the column for the storming of Lookout Mountain, crossing Lookout

Creek at daylight of the 24th; ascended the mountain and moved forward, driving the enemy.

The Ninety-sixth was then ordered to the extreme right of the front line; climbing up the

mountain side, to where it rises perpendicularly, the Regiment was rapidly advanced; flanking

the enemy's works, pouring a destructive fire down the rifle pits, which caused the rebels to give

way and fall back to the point near Craven's House, when night coming on, the enemy evacuated

the mountain. Our loss was quite severe in this action.

The next morning the Ninety-sixth Illinois and Eighth Kentucky were ordered to advance and

occupy the mountain, which they held until December 1, when orders were received to return to

out-post duty, at Nickajac Core, where the Regiment remained until January 26, 1864. The

Ninety-sixth was then ordered to cover the working party repairing the East Tennessee Railroad.

Reached Blue Springs, February 7, where it camped until the 22d, and then joined the column

operating against the enemy in front of Dalton. Moved to the extreme left of the army on the

25th, took position in front line and was heavily engaged all day in the action known as "Buzzard

Roost", after which skirmished until the 28th, when the Regiment returned to camp at Blue

Springs, having lost several men during this reconnoissance.

March 1, ordered to Cleveland to fortify and garrison, remaining there until April 23, when camp

was broken and the Regiment again joined to its command, preparatory to commencing the

Atlanta campaign.

May 3, 1864, moved with command; engaged the enemy on the 9th at Rocky Face Ridge, losing

heavily; entered Dalton on the 13th; engaged again at Resaca on the 14th and 15th with heavy

loss. Skirmished with the enemy on the 19th and drove through Kingston, south of which the

army rested until the 24th. Engaged at New Hope Church on the 25th and again, from the 27th

to June 5, in the rifle pits in front of Dallas.

June 10th and 11th, skirmishing, and in action on the 14th at Pine Mountain, where the rebel

General Bishop Polk was killed.

15th to 19th, marching and fighting. 20th and 27th, assault on Kenesaw Mountain, in which the

Regiment lost heavily,-Colonel Champion and Lieutenant Colonel Smith being severely

wounded, and Captains Gilmore and James mortally.

July 3d and 4th, skirmishing and in action at Smyrna Camp Ground. Crossed the Chattahoochie

River on the 12th. In action of the 19th and 20th at Peach Tree Creek. July 27th General

Stanley was assigned to command of Fourth Corps, and General Nathan Kimball to the

command of our Division. From this time until August 25th under continous fire in front of

Atlanta, and on the 31st in action at Rough and Ready.

September 1st and 2d, engaged in battle of Jonesboro and Lovejoy's Station, and skirmished until

the 6th losing several men in action. Atlanta having been captured, the Regiment returned to

camp near the city, where it remained until October 3d, when the march back to the Tennessee

River was commenced, camping on many of the battle fields of the campaign.

From Chickamauga the command crossed to Pulaski, Tenn., which place was reached November

3d. On the 23d Hood appeared before Pulaski, and the march for Nashville began. Franklin was

reached on the 30th, where the Regiment was again engaged in desperate battle.

Falling back, December 1st, to Nashville, the Ninety-sixth was in front of the enemy, doing

picket duty, until December 15th, when the battle of Nashville began, and continued two days,

during which time the Regiment behaved gallantly,-carried the enemy's line near Franklin Pike,

planted the first colors on his earthworks, and captured a battery of twelve-pound Napoleons,

together with prisoners far exceeding their own number. The loss was quite heavy in killed and

wounded in this action. Joining in pursuit of the remnant of Hood's command to the Tennessee

River, the Ninety-sixth exchanged the last infantry shots with that army. The Regiment reached

Athens January 4, 1865. From thence marched to Huntsville, Ala., and there camped until

March 15th, when it moved to Bull's Gap and Shield's Mills, in East Tennessee. Here the

Regiment was employed in scouting until the surrender of Lee's army, shortly after which the

command was ordered to Nashville, en route for Texas, to operate against the rebels under Kirby

Smith. Arriving at Nashville, it was learned that Smith had surrendered to General Canby,

which closed out the last rebel army, and the muster out of troops commenced. The following

accompanied the order for muster out:

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS.

CAMP HARKER, TENN., June 1, 1865.

Brevet Colonel J. C. Smith, commanding Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry:

You, with the officers and men of the Ninety-sixth Illinois, after three years' gallant devotion to

the cause of our common country, in this war against rebellion, are now about to return to your

homes, with honor unstained, and with reputation bright with glory. Your deeds will live

forever. In nearly every battle of the southwest you have been engaged, from Fort Donelson,

through Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Resaca, Rockyface, Dallas, New

Hope, Franklin and Nashville,-you have borne the flag of the Union and the banner of your noble

State to victory over the foe who would have destroyed the Government and Union made by our

fathers. God has given you the victory. Remember Him. An now, that the war is over, the

rebellion at an end, remember those whom you have conquered. Use victory as becomes true

men and brave soldiers. Return to your homes with enmity toward none, and charity for all.

I know that you will be the best of citizens, because I know that you have been the best of

soldiers. While we, enjoying the honor and privileges which your valor has won and saved, let us

ever cherish as idols of our hearts the memory of our comrades who have given up their lives for

the salvation of our country-who fell by your sides battling for the right. Remember the widow

and orphan of our dead comrades. Be true to them as our comrades were true to us and our

country.

My comrades, accept my gratitude for your devotion to me personally; you have been true and

noble soldiers, and brave men. May God ever bless you and crown your lives with happiness,

and each of you with honor, peace and plenty. Be as you have ever been-true to God, to country,

friends, and to yourselves.

Good bye, comrades; again, God bless you.

NATHAN KIMALL,

Brevet Major General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS,

DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

CAMP HARKER, TENN., June 9, 1865.

Special Orders, No. 115,

The enlisted men of the Ninety-sixth Regiment Illinois Infantry, whose term of service does not

expire prior to October 1, 1865, are assigned to the Twenty-first Regiment Illinois Infantry. The

Assistant Commissioner of Musters of this Division will prepare the necessary rolls for this

purpose.

By command of Major General Kimball.

ED. D. MASON,

Brevet Lt. Col, and A.A. General

June 11th, the Regiment was ordered to Camp Douglas, Ill., for final pay and muster out of the

United States service, where it arrived on the 14th, received pay on the 29th, and on the 30th day

of June 1865, the Ninety-sixth Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers had passed into history,

after an eventful existence of three years, rendered historic by deeds written in blood on many a

battle field. The suffering and privations of the brave men of the Ninety-sixth Regiment Illinois

Volunteers can be best understood when their casualties are remembered, the battles in which

they were actively engaged recounted, and the number of miles traveled are known; and not even

then can their devotion and sacrifice to the country be sufficiently appreciated.

A careful estimate of the distances traveled from the time the Regiment left Camp Fuller,

Rockford, Ill., October 1862, until its return at Camp Douglas, Chicago, June 1865, shows over

5,000 miles marched or transported in the service of the United States.

The casualties of officers and enlisted men were as follows:

Discharged for wounds or disease ...................................................187

Killed or died of wounds or disease.................................................190

Missing in action............................................................................. 78

Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps or other Regiments ..............283

Deserted .......................................................................................... 30

Total...............................................................................................768

The following events and dates of battles in which the Ninety-sixth Regiment Illinois Infantry

was engaged, while under the command of Major General George H. Thomas, is taken from a

report made to that General on muster-out, to which is added its services under previous

commanders:

Defense of Cincinnati .....................................................October 1862.

Fort Donelson........................................................... February 4, 1863.

Spring Hill, Tenn ....................................................... March 10, 1863.

Franklin, Tenn ...............................................................April 8, 1863.

Triune, Tenn ................................................................. June 11, 1863.

Liberty Gap, Tenn ......................................................... June 26, 1863.

Shelbyville, Tenn........................................................... June 29, 1863.

Chickamauga, Ga ..................................... September 19 and 20, 1863.

Wauhatchie, Tenn .................................................... October 29, 1863.

Lookout Mountain, Tenn ...........................November 24 and 25, 1863.

Buzzard Roost, Ga.................................................. February 25, 1864.

Rocky-face Ridge, Ga .............................................May 8 and 9, 1864.

Resaca, Ga..........................................................May 14 and 15, 1864.

Kingston, Ga ................................................................. May 19, 1864.

New Hope Church, Ga................................................... May 25, 1864.

In front of Dallas, Ga...................................... May 26 to June 5, 1864.

Pine Mountain, Ga ........................................................ June 14, 1864.

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga ................................................. June 20, 1864.

Kenesaw Mountain, Ga ................................................. June 27, 1864.

Smyrna Camp Ground, Ga ...............................................July 4, 1864.

Peach Tree Creek, Ga ..................................................... July 20, 1864.

Atlanta, Ga................................................ July 22 to August 25, 1864.

Rough and Ready, Ga................................................ August 31, 1864.

Jonesboro, Ga .........................................................September 1, 1864.

Lovejoy's Station, Ga ..............................................September 2, 1864.

Franklin, Tenn ..................................................... November 30, 1864.

Nashville, Tenn ......................................... December 15 and 16, 1864.

In addition to the above general engagements the Regiment was in many of the skirmishes, and

all the movements and marches of the Army of the Cumberland, from Murfreesboro until the

close of the war and the final pay and discharge, June 30, 1865.