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The backbone of this 'mess' is the Illinois Adjutant General's report. But you'll also find some firsthand wartime accounts (and post-war), published works, some OR stuff, etc. The typos, well, I'm probably to blame for most. Sorry about it being so disjointed, but maybe readers can glean something useful or interesting from what I've researched/scrounged.
Hopefully there will be more,
John Pillers
- - - - - - -
FORMING THE REGIMENT
On the 25th day of April, 1861, the Regiment was organized at Springfield, and mustered in for three months' service. Richard J. Oglesby, of Decatur, was appointed colonel. The regiment was immediately sent to Cairo. Companies A and D, in command of Capt. Isaac Pugh, were sent to Big Muddy river, to guard the railroad bridge, as there was danger of its destruction by rebel sympathizers, to prevent the transportation of troops and supplies. Relieved by other troops, these companies rejoined the regiment at Cairo.
SECESH PORK
A 1996 issue of North South Trader featured the following item. It was submitted by Ken Baumann ('Arming the Suckers') and was taken from 'The Book of Anecdotes of the War of the Rebellion by F. Kirkland, Chicago, 1889) - - - When the Union army was stationed at Bird's Point Missouri, secessionists were rather supposed to have 'rights that a soldier must respect' and there were stringent orders against jayhawking. Col. (later Gen.) Oglesy was then in command of the 8th Illinois. Well, one day his fife and drum majors went out into the woods to practice a new tune. Attracted no doubt by the melody, a fine fat shoat of musical proclivities came near - alas! for the safety of his bacon, too near - for the bass-drummer, by a change of base, made a base attack on his front; while the fifer, by a bold and rapid flank movement, charged him in the rear. 'Twas soon over a few well-directed volleys of clubs and other persuasives were applied, and piggy went dead again - a martyr to his love of music! But how to get the deceased pork into camp? After considerable discussion an idea 'struck' the drummer (not so as to hurt him)/ "We will put him in the drum." "Just the thing, by hokey," said the fifer. One head was taken out and the hog stored, and our heroes started for their quarters, carrying the drum between them. In the meantime the regiment went out for a dress parade; and the colonel, somewhat vexed at the absence of the principle musicians, no sooner saw the gents than, in a voice of reprimand, he ordered them to take their places with the music. The drum-bearers halted, looked at each other, then at the colonel, but said never a word. The colonel repeated his order in a style so emphatic that it could not be misunderstood. The dealers in pork felt a crisis had arrived and that an explanation had become a military necessity. So the drummer, going up close to the colonel, in a low voice made him acquainted with teh status of affairs, winding up with, "We 'low, Colonel, to bring the bets quarter over to your mess." "Sick, eh?" thundered the colonel. "Why din't you say so at first? Go to your quarters? Of course! Battaaaaalion, riiight face!" The colonel had fresh pork for supper. - - - - - - -
CAMP AT CAIRO (OR CARIO?)
James P. Moore, Co. K, 8th Ill., War's First Rude Alarm In 1861 - MOLLUS read on Dec. 13, 1892:
"The old mill at the point, formed by the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, was torn down and fortifications erected, mounted with heavy guns. Our camp was on this point in a low, falt space between the two levees, which had been built to protect the town from the two rivers named, and which converged almost at right angles at this fortification on the extreme point ... "
An 8th soldier, William H. Austin, Co. C., wrote to John Sargent of a visit to a small Missouri plantation of sorts:
Cario, Illinois June 3, 1861 ... The slaves looked upon us with eyes dancing, mouths open with great astonishment as we all carried a rifle, revolver, bouie knife and I expect we looked a little wild ourselves.
CAPTURE THE FLAG
Account by special corresondent, NY Tribune, June 18, 1861 edition - morning of June 12, 1861 the steamer City of Alton was boarded by 'Dick Oglesby' - 8th Ills, with Co. E and F, and a 6-pound and 12-pound howitzer. This force was sent to scout down river toward Columbus, Ky. The correspondent writes:
"They are solid, compact, well-knit men, with fuller faces and broader chests than we usually see east of the Alleghanies. Their fine, intelligent countenances were now radiant at the prospect of having something to do. They were ignorant of their destination, but there was evidently work on hand, and deep were the regrets of the companies left behind that they too could not participate in it." "He is a heavy, well-built, deep-chested man, with full, shaven face and eyes and mouth which indicate firmness and self-reliance. His bearing is soldierly; you would recognize him, anywhere, in civilians's dress as one familiar with the tented field." Oglesby sez "You have not been selected for tis service because I deem you any better soldiers than the other eight companies of my regiment, but because you are just as good. We have reason to believe that there are Rebel troops posted upon some of these islands and shores. They may attack us, or it may be necessary for us to attack them, before we return. Can I rely upon you? (Cheers, and cries of 'Aye,' 'Aye'} If we are attacked, either by infantry, or artillery, will every man of you stand firm, until the word of command, and obey it promptly when given? {'Aye,' 'Aye'} In case we make a charge, shall I lead, or will you? {'Lead us,' 'we'll follow you the the last'} That is all; if any emergency arises, I want you all to do your duty like brave men, in a glorious cause. {We will,' 'we wil.' accompanied by three cheers and a tiger.] 'Upon a tall staff, a few yards from the river, a Secession flag, fifteen feet long, with its eight stars and three stripes, was flying triumphantly. It was hard to see the symbol of treason flaunting the stars within a stone's throw of them; but we steamed slowly by, and continued the reconnoisance for two miles below the town, without hearing from any of the masked batteries about which we have had so many reports." master of the boat, Capt. William Barnes 'Come back, on board; come, every man of you," shouted Col. Oglesby "I never played Yankee Doodle so easily before," remarked the fifer, "as when I saw that flag coming down, and those ladies waving their handkerchiefs; why, it seemed to play itself." An examination of the flag showed that each of the stars bore the name, in pencil, of the young lady who sewed it on. The Maggies, and Julias, and Sues, and Kates, and Sallies, who thus left their autographs upon their handiwork, did not anticipate that it would so soon be scrutinized by 'Yankee' soldiers. The Jeff. Davis flag was run up, with its union reversed, under the Stars and Stripes.
James P. Moore also described the flag-grabbing expedition down river:
"They found the flag unprotected, for at their approach its brave defenders had taken to the woods. The flag was brought back triumphantly and Brigadier-General Prentiss, then in command at Cairo, from the balcony of the St. Charles Hotel, addressed the excited thong of soldiers from camp, (and all were there), concerning this bloodless victory. And, after exhibiting the large Rebel flag as the first trophy of the war captured by Union troops, he swung it above his head and sent it whirling down amidst the now yelling mass of soldiers, saying, as it fell, in that most tragic manner peculiar to the man, "Take it and trail it in the dust." A thousand unlifted hands seized it, and in a twinkling it was in shreds."
FOR THREE YEARS
The regiment remained at Cairo during its term of service, when it was mustered out. July 25th, 1861, the regiment reorganized and was mustered in for three years' service.
Of a short march through Missouri backwoods, Wm. H. Austin, Co. C., wrote to John Sargent:
July 2, 1861 Cario, Ill. ' ... the inmates of the house being somewhat surprised at such an expected guest armed and equiped in every way for battle - they immediately left the house leaving behind them a noble supply of grub well prepared of which I eat heartly taking with me all I could carry in my knapsack of which Capt. Ashmore and a number of the boys partook freely ...'
He later wrote:
Camp Defiance Cario, Ill. 9 Sept. 1861 ... I shall say my health is not as good as it was when I saw you last but nothing serious is the cause of my ill health. I witnefsed the departure of the 8th Regiment this evening. Destination Norfolk, Mo. They are it is thought by many going to have some hard fighting to do - it is said there is 7000 secesh fellers at the above named point, if so they will see some hard times - there is also 7 Regiments from Missouri, Iowa and Ills. with them making our force qual if not superior to Pillows - there is a great stir in the city tonight with occasional cheers for the Union though many seem cast down quite a number of the boys of the 10th Regiment is cursing their officers on account of not getting to go - I have not been in camp since Saturday - I have been in Ky. three days last week and left Paducha last Saturday morning 3 o'clock - I shall stay until Monday next - no more at present - give my respects to Maggis. I yet remain your friend as ever.
The regiment remained at Cairo until October, 1861, when it was ordered at Bird's Point, Mo.
GOING GRAY
Frederick Todd's book, America Military Equipage, says, "Very little information exists regarding the style and type of uniforms worn by the 90-day volunteers. The first recorded uniform was merely 'a gray shirt, blue cap, and red blanket roll,' for the first six regiments. In May some 5,000 uniforms arrived from New York, and these were issued to the first six regiments, number 7-12. It was described as a, 'Jacket and pants of course gray cloth, blue zouave cap, and substantial shoes.' These uniforms were later found to be of 'shoddy' construction, the work of unscrupulous contractors." Charles Wills in his diary recording his service in Co. E wrote in late May, "We had our uniforms about a week. Gray satinette pants and roundabout, with a very handsome blue cap, nine brass buttons up the jacket front and gray flannel shirt. We are obliged to wash dirty clothes the day we change and to black our shoes every evening, and polish our buttons for dress parade. Our company is the only one that does this though, and they call us dandies. We have done more work and better drilling though, than any of them, so we dont mind it. Cairo June 9, 1861 Our whole brigade of six regiments had a parade yesterday. We are all uniformed now and I think we made a respectable appearance. The general gave us a special notice.
To go back a little to another quote from Todd's book, that reads, "On 20 August 1861, as a reward for enlisting, the first Brigade of Illinois Volunteers (7th through 12th Regiments) were to receive a distinctive brigade uniform. It was described by a reporter of the Chicago Tribune: The uniform is in two suits, the first, a fine doeskin casimere ... (grey) coat with a short skirt, midway to the knee, trimmed with scarlett for artillery, and blue for infantry. The pants are the same material. The hat is of a soft durable felt, gray, moderately high crowned, cocked at the sides by a simple button. The fatigue suit is a shirt, pantaloon and zouave cap in a firm hickory cloth. The overcoat is the usual army pattern. "Contemporary evidence points out that this 'Brigade' uniform was not issued to all six regiments. Only the 8th, 9th, 11th and 12th Regiments seem to have received it, if the evidence found in contemporary references is correct. From various letters, diaries and order books, it appears that the Brigades uniforms were issued in late August or early September. "Contracts for gray cloth ceased upon receipt of a War Department letter dated 23 September 1861, which requested 'that no troops hereafter furnished by your State, for the service of the Government, be uniformed in gray - that being the color generally worn by the enemy.' The issuance of gray clothing did cease on receipt of this order, but gray uniforms continued to be worn by Illinois soldiers well into 1862." Charles Wills of the 8th described a uniform issued to the 8th which must have been the 'brigade uniform' noted above. On Sept. 1, 1861, Wills wrote, "A uniform was also furnished us last week. It is of all-wool goods, and not so heavy as to be uncomfortable. The color is very fine gray, the pants are fashionably cut and equal to such as would cost six dolars in Peoria. The coats have short skirts and are rather fancifully trimmed in blue ... We will have a fatigue suit shortly."
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
During this time it received a thorough drill, and attained a high state of discipline. With other troops it made expeditions to Cape Girardeau, Commerce, Bloomfield, and Norfolk, Mo., and Paducah and Blandville, Ky., and joined in the feint on Columbus, Ky., in January. The move to Bloomfield is fixed in the memory of the soldiers of the Eighth by the raid on the rebel Colonel Hunter's well stocked farm, and the rapid return march from Bloomfield to Cape Girardeau. This trip to Bloomfield resulted in the printing of a newspaper called the Stars and Stripes.
.....
Hopefully there will be more,
John Pillers
- - - - - - -
FORMING THE REGIMENT
On the 25th day of April, 1861, the Regiment was organized at Springfield, and mustered in for three months' service. Richard J. Oglesby, of Decatur, was appointed colonel. The regiment was immediately sent to Cairo. Companies A and D, in command of Capt. Isaac Pugh, were sent to Big Muddy river, to guard the railroad bridge, as there was danger of its destruction by rebel sympathizers, to prevent the transportation of troops and supplies. Relieved by other troops, these companies rejoined the regiment at Cairo.
SECESH PORK
A 1996 issue of North South Trader featured the following item. It was submitted by Ken Baumann ('Arming the Suckers') and was taken from 'The Book of Anecdotes of the War of the Rebellion by F. Kirkland, Chicago, 1889) - - - When the Union army was stationed at Bird's Point Missouri, secessionists were rather supposed to have 'rights that a soldier must respect' and there were stringent orders against jayhawking. Col. (later Gen.) Oglesy was then in command of the 8th Illinois. Well, one day his fife and drum majors went out into the woods to practice a new tune. Attracted no doubt by the melody, a fine fat shoat of musical proclivities came near - alas! for the safety of his bacon, too near - for the bass-drummer, by a change of base, made a base attack on his front; while the fifer, by a bold and rapid flank movement, charged him in the rear. 'Twas soon over a few well-directed volleys of clubs and other persuasives were applied, and piggy went dead again - a martyr to his love of music! But how to get the deceased pork into camp? After considerable discussion an idea 'struck' the drummer (not so as to hurt him)/ "We will put him in the drum." "Just the thing, by hokey," said the fifer. One head was taken out and the hog stored, and our heroes started for their quarters, carrying the drum between them. In the meantime the regiment went out for a dress parade; and the colonel, somewhat vexed at the absence of the principle musicians, no sooner saw the gents than, in a voice of reprimand, he ordered them to take their places with the music. The drum-bearers halted, looked at each other, then at the colonel, but said never a word. The colonel repeated his order in a style so emphatic that it could not be misunderstood. The dealers in pork felt a crisis had arrived and that an explanation had become a military necessity. So the drummer, going up close to the colonel, in a low voice made him acquainted with teh status of affairs, winding up with, "We 'low, Colonel, to bring the bets quarter over to your mess." "Sick, eh?" thundered the colonel. "Why din't you say so at first? Go to your quarters? Of course! Battaaaaalion, riiight face!" The colonel had fresh pork for supper. - - - - - - -
CAMP AT CAIRO (OR CARIO?)
James P. Moore, Co. K, 8th Ill., War's First Rude Alarm In 1861 - MOLLUS read on Dec. 13, 1892:
"The old mill at the point, formed by the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, was torn down and fortifications erected, mounted with heavy guns. Our camp was on this point in a low, falt space between the two levees, which had been built to protect the town from the two rivers named, and which converged almost at right angles at this fortification on the extreme point ... "
An 8th soldier, William H. Austin, Co. C., wrote to John Sargent of a visit to a small Missouri plantation of sorts:
Cario, Illinois June 3, 1861 ... The slaves looked upon us with eyes dancing, mouths open with great astonishment as we all carried a rifle, revolver, bouie knife and I expect we looked a little wild ourselves.
CAPTURE THE FLAG
Account by special corresondent, NY Tribune, June 18, 1861 edition - morning of June 12, 1861 the steamer City of Alton was boarded by 'Dick Oglesby' - 8th Ills, with Co. E and F, and a 6-pound and 12-pound howitzer. This force was sent to scout down river toward Columbus, Ky. The correspondent writes:
"They are solid, compact, well-knit men, with fuller faces and broader chests than we usually see east of the Alleghanies. Their fine, intelligent countenances were now radiant at the prospect of having something to do. They were ignorant of their destination, but there was evidently work on hand, and deep were the regrets of the companies left behind that they too could not participate in it." "He is a heavy, well-built, deep-chested man, with full, shaven face and eyes and mouth which indicate firmness and self-reliance. His bearing is soldierly; you would recognize him, anywhere, in civilians's dress as one familiar with the tented field." Oglesby sez "You have not been selected for tis service because I deem you any better soldiers than the other eight companies of my regiment, but because you are just as good. We have reason to believe that there are Rebel troops posted upon some of these islands and shores. They may attack us, or it may be necessary for us to attack them, before we return. Can I rely upon you? (Cheers, and cries of 'Aye,' 'Aye'} If we are attacked, either by infantry, or artillery, will every man of you stand firm, until the word of command, and obey it promptly when given? {'Aye,' 'Aye'} In case we make a charge, shall I lead, or will you? {'Lead us,' 'we'll follow you the the last'} That is all; if any emergency arises, I want you all to do your duty like brave men, in a glorious cause. {We will,' 'we wil.' accompanied by three cheers and a tiger.] 'Upon a tall staff, a few yards from the river, a Secession flag, fifteen feet long, with its eight stars and three stripes, was flying triumphantly. It was hard to see the symbol of treason flaunting the stars within a stone's throw of them; but we steamed slowly by, and continued the reconnoisance for two miles below the town, without hearing from any of the masked batteries about which we have had so many reports." master of the boat, Capt. William Barnes 'Come back, on board; come, every man of you," shouted Col. Oglesby "I never played Yankee Doodle so easily before," remarked the fifer, "as when I saw that flag coming down, and those ladies waving their handkerchiefs; why, it seemed to play itself." An examination of the flag showed that each of the stars bore the name, in pencil, of the young lady who sewed it on. The Maggies, and Julias, and Sues, and Kates, and Sallies, who thus left their autographs upon their handiwork, did not anticipate that it would so soon be scrutinized by 'Yankee' soldiers. The Jeff. Davis flag was run up, with its union reversed, under the Stars and Stripes.
James P. Moore also described the flag-grabbing expedition down river:
"They found the flag unprotected, for at their approach its brave defenders had taken to the woods. The flag was brought back triumphantly and Brigadier-General Prentiss, then in command at Cairo, from the balcony of the St. Charles Hotel, addressed the excited thong of soldiers from camp, (and all were there), concerning this bloodless victory. And, after exhibiting the large Rebel flag as the first trophy of the war captured by Union troops, he swung it above his head and sent it whirling down amidst the now yelling mass of soldiers, saying, as it fell, in that most tragic manner peculiar to the man, "Take it and trail it in the dust." A thousand unlifted hands seized it, and in a twinkling it was in shreds."
FOR THREE YEARS
The regiment remained at Cairo during its term of service, when it was mustered out. July 25th, 1861, the regiment reorganized and was mustered in for three years' service.
Of a short march through Missouri backwoods, Wm. H. Austin, Co. C., wrote to John Sargent:
July 2, 1861 Cario, Ill. ' ... the inmates of the house being somewhat surprised at such an expected guest armed and equiped in every way for battle - they immediately left the house leaving behind them a noble supply of grub well prepared of which I eat heartly taking with me all I could carry in my knapsack of which Capt. Ashmore and a number of the boys partook freely ...'
He later wrote:
Camp Defiance Cario, Ill. 9 Sept. 1861 ... I shall say my health is not as good as it was when I saw you last but nothing serious is the cause of my ill health. I witnefsed the departure of the 8th Regiment this evening. Destination Norfolk, Mo. They are it is thought by many going to have some hard fighting to do - it is said there is 7000 secesh fellers at the above named point, if so they will see some hard times - there is also 7 Regiments from Missouri, Iowa and Ills. with them making our force qual if not superior to Pillows - there is a great stir in the city tonight with occasional cheers for the Union though many seem cast down quite a number of the boys of the 10th Regiment is cursing their officers on account of not getting to go - I have not been in camp since Saturday - I have been in Ky. three days last week and left Paducha last Saturday morning 3 o'clock - I shall stay until Monday next - no more at present - give my respects to Maggis. I yet remain your friend as ever.
The regiment remained at Cairo until October, 1861, when it was ordered at Bird's Point, Mo.
GOING GRAY
Frederick Todd's book, America Military Equipage, says, "Very little information exists regarding the style and type of uniforms worn by the 90-day volunteers. The first recorded uniform was merely 'a gray shirt, blue cap, and red blanket roll,' for the first six regiments. In May some 5,000 uniforms arrived from New York, and these were issued to the first six regiments, number 7-12. It was described as a, 'Jacket and pants of course gray cloth, blue zouave cap, and substantial shoes.' These uniforms were later found to be of 'shoddy' construction, the work of unscrupulous contractors." Charles Wills in his diary recording his service in Co. E wrote in late May, "We had our uniforms about a week. Gray satinette pants and roundabout, with a very handsome blue cap, nine brass buttons up the jacket front and gray flannel shirt. We are obliged to wash dirty clothes the day we change and to black our shoes every evening, and polish our buttons for dress parade. Our company is the only one that does this though, and they call us dandies. We have done more work and better drilling though, than any of them, so we dont mind it. Cairo June 9, 1861 Our whole brigade of six regiments had a parade yesterday. We are all uniformed now and I think we made a respectable appearance. The general gave us a special notice.
To go back a little to another quote from Todd's book, that reads, "On 20 August 1861, as a reward for enlisting, the first Brigade of Illinois Volunteers (7th through 12th Regiments) were to receive a distinctive brigade uniform. It was described by a reporter of the Chicago Tribune: The uniform is in two suits, the first, a fine doeskin casimere ... (grey) coat with a short skirt, midway to the knee, trimmed with scarlett for artillery, and blue for infantry. The pants are the same material. The hat is of a soft durable felt, gray, moderately high crowned, cocked at the sides by a simple button. The fatigue suit is a shirt, pantaloon and zouave cap in a firm hickory cloth. The overcoat is the usual army pattern. "Contemporary evidence points out that this 'Brigade' uniform was not issued to all six regiments. Only the 8th, 9th, 11th and 12th Regiments seem to have received it, if the evidence found in contemporary references is correct. From various letters, diaries and order books, it appears that the Brigades uniforms were issued in late August or early September. "Contracts for gray cloth ceased upon receipt of a War Department letter dated 23 September 1861, which requested 'that no troops hereafter furnished by your State, for the service of the Government, be uniformed in gray - that being the color generally worn by the enemy.' The issuance of gray clothing did cease on receipt of this order, but gray uniforms continued to be worn by Illinois soldiers well into 1862." Charles Wills of the 8th described a uniform issued to the 8th which must have been the 'brigade uniform' noted above. On Sept. 1, 1861, Wills wrote, "A uniform was also furnished us last week. It is of all-wool goods, and not so heavy as to be uncomfortable. The color is very fine gray, the pants are fashionably cut and equal to such as would cost six dolars in Peoria. The coats have short skirts and are rather fancifully trimmed in blue ... We will have a fatigue suit shortly."
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
During this time it received a thorough drill, and attained a high state of discipline. With other troops it made expeditions to Cape Girardeau, Commerce, Bloomfield, and Norfolk, Mo., and Paducah and Blandville, Ky., and joined in the feint on Columbus, Ky., in January. The move to Bloomfield is fixed in the memory of the soldiers of the Eighth by the raid on the rebel Colonel Hunter's well stocked farm, and the rapid return march from Bloomfield to Cape Girardeau. This trip to Bloomfield resulted in the printing of a newspaper called the Stars and Stripes.
.....
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