Part 2

JOHN P. MULLENIX, Fairfield, Iowa.

May, 1861-March 25, 1862. Born in Ohio. Thirty-six years old when enlisted. Receives pension at rate of thirty dollars a month for disability incurred in service; has drawn pension from date of discharge. Badly crippled; cannot go without crutches; has no use of left arm and shoulder; rheumatism is the main difficulty. Is a Presbyterian in belief, and a republican from principle.

ALBERT PIERSON, 10 Prospect Street, East Orange, New Jersey.

June 3, 1861-November 20, 1862. In 1863, when Confederate army came up into Pennsylvania, enlisted in a militia company, and served thirty days. Born in Orange, N. J. Was twenty-two years old when enlisted. Had the pleasure of participating in only one battle during the war--that of Fredericktown, Missouri. About November 1, 1861, became very sick at Bird's Point, Missouri. On the 20th of that month received furlough and went to Mr. Jessup's, Na-au-say township, Kendall county, Illinois, where he remained for six months a very sick man. In May, 1862, was sent to East Orange, N. J., his former home, in charge of a personal attendant, and came near dying on the journey. Remained at East Orange, sick, for four months. In August reported to hospital, on Bedloe Island, from which he was discharged November 20, 1862, and it is the regret of Comrade Pierson that he was not with Company K, 20th Illinois Regiment, during the whole war. Since discharged he has been seriously sick, and has paid out money to doctors. "Yet, I believe there is One above who rules over all, and when my time comes no doctor can save me." (Doctor Taylor, what think you of this?) Comrade Pierson is a Presbyterian. He is not a pensioner; he has never applied for pension. He is a republican; is a powerful republican, and is in grief because of the ascendancy of the democratic party. This is the way he writes: "O, what a great big humbug Grover is, anyway; he ought to be in England, not America. I recall the night after the election; I expected nothing from New Jersey--she has always been a democrat--but I did expect good news from the Prairie state. At twelve o'clock report came, 'Illinois is against Harrison.' At first I refused to believe it. I had been proud of Illinois up to that time, as I had spent some years there, but now I am in sorrow for her." Albert, I am surprised that a grave and serious man of mature years would sit up till twelve o'clock watching election returns. Don't do it again. Retire at nine o'clock regularly the night after election and in the morning you will be in better condition to hear the news. You may get bad news next time, too. As ordered by the people, so will the result be.

Comrade Pierson has been engaged in different lines of business since the war--is now, and has been for some years, in the wood and coal business. He gives this cordial invitation: "If any Company K boys ever come East, I want them to run out to Orange and see me; about fourteen miles from New York City, and trains run all the time. Remember!"

In a subsequent letter, Comrade Pierson has given additional facts concerning himself. In the spring of 1857 he went out to Illinois to be a farmer. Was in Kendall county, Illinois, when the affair took place at Fort Sumpter in Charleston Harbor, and immediately joined a Company that was started at Oswego. That Company was unfortunate in not being accepted, and he was obliged to go back to work. In the meantime a Kendall county Company was organized at Newark and went into camp at Joliet. Some of the Oswego boys went to Joliet and joined that Company and sent back word that a few more men would be received. Comrade Pierson was full of the war, but was reluctant about quitting work again. One day he was plowing. His team consisted of a free horse and a very lazy one. He talked a great deal to the lazy horse and pelted him with chunks of dirt, but all this was unavailing and he decided to resort to harsher means. He stopped, threw the lines from his shoulders, swung them around the plow handle and went up alongside of the lazy animal to thrash him. But as soon as he commenced operations the free horse jumped and away went the team. After considerable time he caught them. He then felt very gritty and resolved to be a soldier. He tied the horses to a fence and started. As he passed the house he called at the door and said, "Good bye! I am off for the war," and moved on toward Joliet. On this journey he was troubled by the thought that he was liable to be rejected, as he was a small man and, at that time, first-class war material was in great abundance. When, however, he reached camp he passed muster successfully and was happy. Comrade Pierson closes his letter thus: "When another election comes 'round I want you fellows out there to attend to business better than you did before. Watch New Jersey next time."

WILLIAM PRENTICE, Soldiers' Home, Quincy, Illinois.

Enlisted in April, 1861; served for several months in Company K. Was discharged for disability, and afterwards enlisted in another Regiment. Is a pensioner.

WILLIAM PRESTON, Steward, Illinois.

April 24, 1861-July 16, 1865. Born in Kendall county, Illinois. Twenty-one years old when enlisted. Receives pension for disability incurred in service. After war, engaged in farming; later was in business; now somewhat retired. Is interested in Company K matters, and is glad that a roster is likely to be made up.

JAY DELOS PRUYN, Oneonta, New York.

May 1, 1861-July 14, 1864. Born at Syracuse, N. Y., Twenty-two years old when enlisted. Is granted pension at rate of twelve dollars a month. Is painter and decorator. Republican. Presbyterian.

I am under special obligation to Comrade Pruyn for aiding me while lying helpless and in danger of bleeding to death on the battlefield at Raymond. He bandaged my wounded leg with his big red handkerchief, knotted and drawn very tightly, and with my own suspenders; gave me a good drink out of his canteen, and then resumed his place in the ranks. Comrade Pruyn was a good soldier, a conscientious man, a man of many good qualities. My association with him in the army will continue a pleasant recollection.

NARCISSE REMILLARD, Mount Taber, Multnomah County, Oregon.

April 1861-July 14, 1864. September 5, 1864, enlisted in 146th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged therefrom July 5, 1865. Was born at Naperville, Canada. Twenty-six years old when enlisted. Is pensioned at rate of ten dollars a month for disability incurred in service. In religion, Protestant; a member of Baptist church. In politics, non-partisan. Votes with reference to the good of the country. Does not consider the interests of politicians. That is correct; vote as you shot--for country and for right.

WARREN ROCKWOOD, Sheridan, Illinois.

April, 1861-November 15, 1861. Born in state of New York. Twenty-three years old when enlisted. Receives pension at rate of eight dollars a month. Was a farmer for a number of years; now works as carpenter. Republican. Non-sectarian in religion.

BERDETTE SPENCER, Elmira, New York, No. 1024 College Avenue.

May 13, 1861-July 14, 1864. Born at Mohawk, Herkimer county, N. Y. Thirty-three years old when enlisted. Was wounded in left forearm at Fort Donelson, and receives pension of ten dollars a month because of wound. On account of this wound he was away from the Company on furlough seven months, three months at Marine hospital, Chicago, and four months at home. During this time missed Shiloh and Britton's Lane; was in all other battles with the Company. Is now, and has been since July 24, 1876, employed at New York State Reformatory, which has about fifteen hundred prisoners. Has never seen a Company K man since the war. Wants to get all the news about the boys. Would like to attend a reunion and see them all once more. Does not know whether to call them boys now or not. Is not a church member; in belief, a spiritualist.

RICHARD SPRINGER, Chicago, Ill., No. 99 Washington Street.

April, 1861-August 31, 1865. Born at LaFayette, Indiana. Seventeen years old when enlisted. Shot in right arm July 21, 1864, near Atlanta, while attempting to rescue Martin Morley, the regimental standard bearer, who lay wounded between the lines. Draws pension for this wound at rate of seventeen dollars a month. Since war has been student, journalist, man of affairs, engaged in various business enterprises, now handles real estate in Chicago. Fearless and aggressive in politics, as upon battlefields, he has never winced under stroke of party lash. Has been liberal republican and greenbacker. Now looks with favor upon the independent populist movement. In religion, liberal. Protestant rather than Catholic.

JOHN J. TAYLOR, M. D., Streator, Illinois.

June 17, 1861-June 16, 1862. Born in Kent, England. Came to America in 1852 with his parents when eleven years old. Came on ship Prince Albert with five hundred emigrants; thirty-seven days on sea. Has renounced allegiance to the British crown. Is now American through and through. Was twenty years old when enlisted. Receives pension at rate of eight dollars a month for disabilities incurred in service. Suffered for about twenty years after discharged from the army with alimentary and other difficulties. After coming home badly wrecked he attended Normal University with the purpose of preparing for a teacher, but was compelled by ill health to abandon the project. Began the study of medicine for personal benefit, afterwards adopted it as a profession. Studied medicine at University of Michigan in 1865-6, and in 1866-7 in Chicago at the Rush. Graduated from Rush Medical College January 25, 1867, and has since been engaged in the practice of the profession. Is a railroad surgeon, is secretary of LaSalle county Medical Society, and is examining surgeon for a number of life insurance companies. Has been president of North Central Medical Association. Has been captain of State Militia and alderman fourth ward, Streator.

This comrade is a very zealous adherent of the republican party; he has great faith in the party. He thinks the republican party is right. He thinks it always has been right. He thinks it will soon again have control of the affairs of the government. We are in great danger of being deluged by foreign goods from which calamity the government should protect us.

In religion he is broad and free. Is not priest-ridden. He cordially recognizes whatever of good there is in the "religious societies" and spreads the wide mantle of charity over all their errors. Is very willing and very anxious to learn in regard to the great beyond, but is not willing to take bit and be reined by priest or prelate. Desires liberty in regard to religious thought and action.

"Be industrious, be honest, be clean, be true to yourself and charitable to others, and lift like a Hercules to lighten the burden of those who are heavily loaded and weary in the journey of life. These things are religion."--Taylor.

"The practice of moral duties without a belief in a Divine law-giver, and without reference to His will or commands, is not religion."--Webster.

Who shall decide when doctors disagree?

WILLIAM TODD, Illinois Soldier's Home, Quincy, Illinois.

April, 1861-May 25, 1865. Was born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, but left the bleak, barren hills of his native land in 1849 and came to Chicago. Was twenty-nine years and nine months old when enlisted. Captured near Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864, and for many months confined in Confederate prisons.

Since putting foot upon the western continent William has been an enthusiastic American. He believes America should be protected. We should not break down the walls and allow the country to be flooded with goods from foreign shores. We want work to do and plenty of it. An idle brain is the devil's shop. Don't let the English, the Dutch or the French work for us, howsoever cheaply they offer their services. Comrade Todd is an idolator. He worships the republican party. He is wedded to his idol--let him alone.

In regard to religion, he writes this: "I am a Christian, _i. e._, a believer in Christ and his teachings. I am not connected with any denomination, but have a leaning to the Congregational. My father was of that denomination in Scotland, the name for them there and in England being Independents." Became a Kendall county man by adoption.

"I enlisted at Champaign, Ill., April 18, 1861, but when we went into camp at Joliet that Company had four men above the maximum number, and the Kendall county Company lacked two men of the minimum number. I and another transferred ourselves from A to K, and were put on the muster roll as having enlisted in Company K April 24, 1861. So you can put me down in roster as having enlisted at Newark, Kendall county, Illinois, April 24, 1861."

Comrade Todd is badly broken in health. Right side partly paralyzed. He says he "cannot write worth a continental." Is a shoemaker. Has worked at that trade principally since the war, but has been otherwise employed and, he writes, "I finally got in here." He receives from Uncle Sam at Washington a regular remittance at the rate of six dollars a month. I should think the old fellow could do a little better than that.

SAMUEL TRENTOR, Morris, Illinois.

April 24, 1861-July 14, 1864. Born at Moundsville, West Virginia. Nearly nineteen years old when enlisted. Sam thought that with his long arms he could do good work with a cavalry sabre, and did not re-enlist in the 20th Regiment, but when discharged therefrom joined Captain Collins' Company of the 4th Illinois Cavalry and served until the close of the war. Was shot in the neck at Britton's Lane. Receives pension at rate of twelve dollars a month for disabilities incurred in the service. Works for a living. Writes thus: "I am not a democrat. My religion I have not yet."

WILLIAM VREELAND, Maurice, Iowa.

April, 1861-July 14, 1864. Born in Hudson county, N. J. Twenty-four years old when enlisted. Receives pension at rate of eight dollars a month for disability incurred in the service. Was a farmer for several years after discharge, but the condition of his health forced him to abandon that vocation. Is now editor and proprietor of the Maurice Free Press. "A rock-ribbed republican and a Methodist. The two things go well together, you know." How would prohibition and Methodism go? Think about it brother!

AMBROSE WALLACE.

Born in England. Enlisted in April, 1861. One day while the Regiment was guarding a railroad near Charleston, Missouri, in the fall of 1861, Wallace disappeared. Returned to the Company in about two months. Said he had been captured and had been with Jeff. Thompson at New Madrid. Sunday, April 6, 1861, he deserted from the ranks on the battlefield of Shiloh and never afterwards appeared. He now lives in Tennessee. Was heard from a few months ago. At that time he was not a pensioner, but he wanted to be. As the law now stands he is barred by his record. His only recourse is to come North and employ some available Congressman to introduce and pass through Congress a special act granting him a pension. In all probability it would be vetoed during the present administration, but the Executive would be put on record as being opposed to pensions. That would be a point gained in politics. Undoubtedly it is to the interest of Ambrose Wallace to have a change.

ANDREW WEST, Cabery, Illinois.

April, 1861-November 1, 1861. Was born in state of New York. On August 8, 1862, he enlisted in the 91st Illinois Regiment, and was discharged therefrom January 2, 1863; afterwards joined a company of New York Artillery, and while in this organization was seriously wounded in leg at Petersburg, Virginia, and draws pension for wound. Did not reply to my letter of inquiry.

I was sick of measles in a hospital at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in September, 1861. At the same time Andrew West was very sick in another hospital close to the river. One evening, when convalescent and on the outlook for a boat upon which to return to the Regiment at Bird's Point, I sat beside Comrade West for nearly an hour and I thought every breath would be his last. The Surgeon in charge said he was dying and called an attendant, and directed him to remain with the patient, and gave the attendant specific instructions in regard to what he should do when the patient was dead. This attendant was Charles Halbert of the 7th Illinois Regiment. The end did not come as soon as anticipated, and as the attendant sat watching and waiting he reached for a sponge in a dish of water near by, squeezed it out, and with the wet sponge commenced to rub the dying man. After a little he fancied it gave relief. He continued the process of rubbing the whole body, and soon became certain that his patient was coming back to life. In the morning Andrew West was in a greatly improved condition and the doctor was astonished.

Why did not the dying man die? Comrade Pierson would say it was because his time had not yet come. Charles Halbert says he saved him.

ALONZO WHITE, Saunemin, Illinois.

June 11, 1861-July 16, 1865. I saw Comrade White about six years ago. At that time he was a Methodist, a prohibitionist and was not a pensioner. He had never applied for pension and never expected to apply. I do not know whether he has held out faithfully up to the present time or not on all these points. He did not reply to my letter of inquiry. I wrote to the postmaster of his town and got this: "Yes, he is here. He runs a blacksmith shop in this town."

ANDREW JACKSON WILSEY, Aurora, Illinois.

April, 1861-June 9, 1862. Born in Madison county, New York. Twenty-one years old when enlisted. Since discharge has followed a diversity of pursuits. He is not a pensioner but, I think, would not object to being enrolled as one of Uncle Sam's beneficiaries. I meet him frequently. He has never given serious thought to religion and, I understand, has no well defined and settled theological opinions. In politics he is a democrat, a regular old-fashioned democrat of the Andrew Jackson type. He was not at New Orleans, however, but he faced fury of shot and shell at Shiloh.

DEWITT C. WILSON, Plattville, Illinois.

June 11, 1861-July 14, 1864. Born in Shelby county, Ohio. Nineteen years old when enlisted. Is not a pensioner. Since the war has been a farmer. In politics a straight republican. In religion aims to be a practical christian. He believes that good works are more efficacious than loud prayers and soul-saving sermons. He has no connection with any religious sect.

On the morning of June 11, 1861, his father sent him into a field with a horse to cultivate corn with a shovel plow. After working a few hours he tied his horse to a fence at one end of the field and started directly to Joliet on foot to enlist. He did good work as a soldier for more than three years.

All will have a vivid recollection of Fort Donelson. The lack of rations, the lack of tents or protection of any kind, the hard fighting and the hard weather, the rain, the sleet, the snow, the cold, the long dreary nights without fires. On one of those nights DeWitt Wilson and the writer stood on picket guard together close up to the enemy's works. We were posted stealthily after dark under a low bushy tree near a road which led to and from the town. We were to remain very quiet, not to speak louder than a whisper, and to watch closely all night. If the enemy sallied out in force we were to fire and run to the Regiment. It was very cold. The mercury was going down and was not far from zero. Our clothes had been soaked by previous rains and were now frozen stiff and clanked with every movement. We remained as posted for several hours. Finally, the Confederates came over their works and made a vigorous assault with intent to break the Union line. When the assault was made I was in an almost helpless condition. I could scarcely move and was nearly captured. I and my comrade became separated. I lost my course and went into the 11th Illinois Regiment. DeWitt and I frequently refer to that terrible night, the hardest in all our experience.

At Britton's Lane Comrade Wilson and two others occupied a slight ambuscade. He was very anxious to have the enemy show up, and poked his cap out on the end of his ramrod. Just as he did this a glancing bullet struck the side of his head and caused him to roll over two or three times. His face and clothes were smeared with blood, and just then he would not be considered a good-looking man.

GEORGE WILSON, Sharon Springs, Wallace County, Kansas.

"Sharon is like a wilderness."--Isaiah 33: 9.

April, 1861-July 16, 1865. Was born at Newark, Illinois, April 5, 1838. Twenty-three when enlisted. Was wounded in hand at Britton's Lane. Was captured near Atlanta, July 22, 1864, and confined in various Confederate prisons for nearly nine months. Pensioned for disabilities incurred in service at rate of four dollars a month. Is a "homesteader" in Western Kansas, seven miles from the Colorado line.

"I belong to the prevailing church and I vote as I shot--against the South." "Cease firing! They have surrendered!" The men of the Twentieth heard those words on many battle fields. Finally they all surrendered and grounded arms. We whipped the rebels. We whipped them thoroughly. The entire South lay prostrate and bleeding and helpless at the feet of the conquering soldiers of the Union. Now, George, come out from the "prevailing church," the big wicked church of the world, and be a christian. Forgive your enemies and conquer by kindness. Bless them that curse you. Do good to them that despitefully use you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely. This is the true way. Consider these thoughts seriously, and when you vote again think of something else besides voting against the South.

JOSIAH WRIGHT, Akron, Washington County, Colorado.

April, 1861-August 9, 1862. Born in Luzern county, Pennsylvania. Twenty-two years old when enlisted. Was a non-commissioned officer and member of the color guard. Was shot through right wrist while bearing aloft the flag of the 20th Regiment at Shiloh. Was discharged because of wound. Pensioned for wound at rate of sixteen dollars a month.

Lived in Pennsylvania till 1851. From 1851 to 1871 lived in Kendall county, Illinois. From 1871 till 1892 lived in Adair county, Missouri. From spring of 1892 to present time has lived on a homestead in Washington county, Colorado. Is now, and always has been, a farmer.

In religion is a Methodist. In politics has been a populist since the date of the organization of that party. Frequently advocates the principles of the party from the rostrum. Is very friendly to silver. On his envelopes he has the motto: "Silver sixteen to one." I think Jo has a silver mine on his homestead in Colorado.

Here is a vivid picture from Josiah Wright's pen which every man of the 20th Regiment who was on hand at Shiloh will appreciate: "I was at the spring in camp Sunday morning, April 6. The roar of the assault on General Prentis's division had become terrific. I heard drums beat the long roll as the signal of alarm. I rushed to the Colonel's tent and got the flag. In passing out I met the Color Sergeant and gave the flag to him. The boys of the 20th were swarming out of their tents with their guns. The Regiment was quickly formed and started on a run in the direction of the firing. Colonel Marsh rode rapidly up and down the column urging the men to their utmost. We did not have to go far. The Confederates were advancing with great impetuosity and sweeping the field before them. We took position to beat back the on-coming tide and then the flag was unfurled and waved in the face of the foe. The Color Sergeant was immediately shot down. I picked up the flag and was soon wounded. Another member of the color guard then took the flag. I was sent to a boat on the river and was nearly gone from loss of blood."