Part 1

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THREE YEARS IN THE SERVICE.

A RECORD OF THE DOINGS OF THE 11TH REG. MISSOURI VOLS.

BY D. McCALL, A PRIVATE OF CO. B.

SPRINGFIELD: STEAM PRESS OF BAKER & PHILLIPS.

1864.

RECORD OF THE DOINGS

OF THE

11TH REG. OF MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS.

Being anxious to serve my country, I walked to Springfield, Illinois, a distance of twenty-five miles. I arrived there early in the evening, and took up lodging with a German that night, which was on the 14th day of July, 1861. There were several recruiting officers enlisting men for cavalry or infantry. Andrew J. Weber was enlisting a company for an infantry regiment, which I joined. There were then about thirty members. After remaining here, for a few days, boarding at the Owen House, we got on board the cars, which were in waiting, to carry us to our destination.

Sorrowful were the scenes at parting from friends to go from their homes to defend their rights and liberty, many to fall victims of this unholy rebellion. As I was a stranger to the company, I had no regrets at leaving, as my friends were far away. The cars blowed their whistle, and amid the cheers of the people, and waving of handkerchiefs, we left Springfield. Our destination being Missouri, we arrived at night at a place called Illinoistown, opposite St. Louis, and here we remained all night, and next morning we all went down to the river and washed. We were then ordered to fall in to go across the river. Company C accompanied us, commanded by Captain Moses Warner. The two companies fell in and formed in four ranks, and the command was given, and we started to the river; we soon arrived on the bank. There was a ferry boat in waiting to carry us across, we marched board, and the boat soon landed us below St. Louis, where the command was formed in line, and it was soon on its way to the arsenal. We arrived there early in the day. The day was warm, and the streets were dusty, which made it quite disagreeable marching. We were not molested on the way. Most of us were without arms. The people lined the sidewalks as we passed.

When we arrived at the arsenal rations were issued to us, and we eat what we got with a good relish, as we had eat nothing since leaving Springfield the day before. Most of the boys were without money. After staying here for a few hours, the command was ordered to fall in and we were went from here to Marine Hospital, where we remained several weeks. It was here we experienced the duties of a soldier. We quartered in a long low building, with straw and plank to lay on. Provisions were good enough, such as they were, and as we had no conveniences prepared, we labored under difficulties to get enough to eat.

Commenced drilling, and drilled eight hours a day. Our progress was very slow at first, as our commanders were not very proficient in drill. But we soon learned to keep step and the other changes. This continued until one day we marched down to the arsenal, were sworn in as a regiment, and drew our arms. We had previously no arms but some old flint lock muskets, most of them without bayonets. After drawing our equipments we returned to quarters, and in a few days the order came to prepare for marching.

The regiment marched to the bank of the river, stacked arms, and there we remained until evening, awaiting the boat, which arrived at last, and the bugle sounded, and the order came to go on board the boat. We fell in and marched about a mile, when we got on board of the boat awaiting us at the landing. Everything being ready, the boat soon left the landing, and she headed down the river. Next day we landed at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, August 7th, 1861. The regiment soon landed, stacked arms, and men were detailed out of each company to unload the boat. It was hard work, as we had to roll the barrels and hogsheads up a very high hill. But we were strong and healthy, soon put every thing on shore.

We carried our things into an old mill, which was deserted. This was to be our quarters for a while--company B on one side of the room, company C the other, in the second story. The regiment was under command of Col. David A. Bayles, a captain in three months' service. He was severe on us. We had to drill eight hours a day, and there was a great deal of fatigue duty to do. The situation of Cape Girardeau when we arrived:--The city is built on the bank of the Mississippi river, and back of it was very high bluffs, and it was defended by the 8th Missouri and 20th Illinois regiments, some Missouri home guards, cavalry and infantry. There was one small fort, partly finished, no guns mounted, every street was strongly guarded, sentinels standing on every corner, and no person allowed to pass without a written permit from headquarters. Patrols patrolled the town night and day. The citizens treated us quite civilly as long as we remained here.

We were here but a short time when the report was brought to headquarters that a rebel force was marching on us with a heavy siege piece. The report we found to be true, as a deserter informed us afterwards. The alarm soon spread through the camps, and all was in commotion. Every man was ordered under arms, and three companies of the 11th Missouri regiment were ordered to go out and act as picket. Company B was one of the companies detailed. It was early in the evening when we buckled on our belts, order was given fall into line, and our three companies formed in column and marched three miles, where was a heavy piece of timber. Here we deployed as skirmishers along the fence, which was built very high, and awaited the rebels until morning. Woods were on each side of the road. There was nothing worth mentioning occurred to us during our stay there, but the evening being far advanced, every one was roused to his feet; some were fast asleep, while others preferred walking up and down to sleeping, a shot was fired, and then several followed in quick succession. The sound came from camp. After a volley was fired, everything became silent, and all was still again, and we returned to camp, when we were informed that they were ordered out on the top of a high hill, a short time after the three companies left, and there they remained in line of battle, on the ground, with their arms by their side; as the night was quite dark, they could not distinguish friend from foe; they were attacked and had a skirmish, after several volleys were fired on each side, and three men were badly wounded. If there were rebels they had all disappeared in the morning. Plenty of tracks were visible of men and horses near where the firing was, and the supposition was that there was a considerable force there.

Men were busy all that evening throwing up entrenchments and placing guns in position, and thus continued night and day for some time.

One evening the order came to prepare for marching. We were soon in line, the command was given, forward, and off we started. Took the Jackson road and marched quite close to it, and the command halted to examine the front, and we were soon ordered forward, the town was quickly surrounded, cannon placed on both ends of the street, and a sentinel guarded every door and window, and the citizens when they arose in the morning, found themselves prisoners in the hands of the federal soldiers. All the stores were shut. It is a very good place for a town, and was at one time a smart place for business. There were several stores and groceries, a saddler's shop, and a fine place for fruit, and the soldiers fared well for a while on peaches and apples. The merchants would not sell goods to the Union boys, and they helped themselves. There were but few men in town, as they left when they heard of our coming, and did not wait for us to make our appearance, as this was their place of resort a short time before. After getting what apples and peaches we wanted, and frightening the citizens by firing several salutes and breaking some windows, we left.

A great many of the citizens of the surrounding country came in to see the soldiers, and were detained until we left next morning. When the regiment was ready to return to camp, the report came that General Prentiss was coming into town with a brigade of infantry, and the regiments were formed in open order, and at length the expected visitor arrived with his staff. He rode down through the lines, and back again to the head, and made a short speech to us. He said never take a word of insult from a rebel; if any one offered you any insult, shoot him down, for that was the way to end the rebellion. With a few more remarks, of not much import, he closed his speech, and the column was soon in motion, and we arrived at quarters early in the evening, much pleased with our trip.

Then commenced the work of building forts. Spades, shovels and wheelbarrows came into requisition, and all men fit for duty were compelled to work, throwing up breastworks until four strong forts were completed and mounted with heavy siege guns, 24-pounders; the timber was cut down all around within a mile of the fort. All kinds of reports were flying through camp.

One evening we were ordered to fall in, and without much ceremony some few companies were marched up through the town, until they reached an old two story building on the corner of a street. Halt, was heard along the line, and they stopped for a short time waiting for further orders. They were soon ordered forward, and marched into the house, up into the first story, and a lookout was placed at each window. I was one detailed for duty. The night was beautiful, and I could discern objects for some distance, but nothing disturbed the quiet of that still evening but the heavy snoring of the soldiers as they lay in deep sleep all around me. Some, perhaps, were thinking or dreaming of loved ones at home, of friends that were far away; so the night passed off without an enemy disturbing us, and in the morning we returned to camp. Several parties of soldiers were sent out to search for rebels, but they never encountered any, as they always evaded our scouts.

A man from Perryville, Perry county, came to the Cape asking Bayles to send a force to meet the rebels said to be advancing on it. About 300 men was ordered on board the old Illinois steamboat, and company B was chosen and parts of other companies volunteered to go. After getting on board, the old ark began to recede from shore. After numerous delays we found ourselves at Sandford's Landing, fifteen miles from Perryville, and this must be reached as quick as possible. After ascending a very high hill with the utmost difficulty, we started on our way. Two citizens took the oath of allegiance on the road, and were let go where they pleased. Company B was detailed to skirmish through that broken country, and we were put in advance, and was made to halt if we got too far ahead, and wait until the rear came up. In the evening company B was made the advance guard, and they encamped near a large spring of cold water, which was very acceptable to us, as we did not get much good water after leaving the river. Here a citizen of Perryville was made a prisoner. He was lurking near this spring, was well armed, but made no resistance, and he was soon disarmed. We found him quite an influential man among the citizens, and was then captain of a rebel company. He was owner of a hotel in town. We arrived within sight of the town, and were ordered to divide off into small squads and advance from all sides, and take the town by surprise. The order was quickly obeyed, and the band struck up the tune of Yankee Doodle, with drums beating and colors flying, marched into the court yard before the citizens could get away. There was a German ball in progress, but it was soon stopped and the people returned to their homes. Whisky flowed quite freely, and the officers and men had a good time generally with the ladies of the town. Beef was furnished to us by the people, and it was quite a treat to us to get to eat at a table. There were plenty of apples and peaches, also sweet potatoes, we found in great abundance. There was plenty to eat here, and the people would invite the soldiers to dine with them.

Next morning we drew our uniforms, and one of the men by the name of Ford, was drowned while in the river washing himself before changing his clothes. This was the first death in the company. A whole brigade followed this young man to his lonely resting place. The next death was one of Grant's staff, and the next was a John Headly.

About the middle of October we were ordered to prepare for marching, as we were to go out to meet Jeff. Thompson's forces, said to be at Fredericksburg. When we started the rain was falling sufficient to make it pleasant marching, during the whole of the trip. A brigade of infantry was encamped near the town, which informed us that Jeff. Thompson had left; so our brigade started in pursuit, consisting of the 17th Illinois, 5th Indiana cavalry, and one battalion. We met the rebels and repulsed them after a fight which lasted about twenty-four hours, which resulted in a loss to the rebels of about 600 in killed, wounded and prisoners. We came very near being surprised and our force taken. We were marching as if it were to our destruction, when an old negro warned us of our danger. He informed Plummer where the rebels were posted. They had planted two batteries so that when we got close enough they could rake our ranks. Plummer ordered up a battery and opened on them where we supposed the rebels were. Blank cartridges were fired from our side, and they replied with shot and shell, doing no damage, as they shot over us. The 17th Illinois and part of the 11th Missouri were ordered forward, and they advanced and poured in a heavy volley of Musketry, and the enemy could not stand it and fled, and left us masters of the field. The 1st Indiana cavalry made a charge, and Major Gavitt was killed with 250 men either killed or wounded. Infantry loss was slight. The 17th and 20th Illinois charged and took a battery. Col. Lowe was killed on the rebel side, and Thompson's army all dispersed. We followed them 12 miles, and they burned a bridge, so we could not follow them any farther. That was the death-blow to Jeff. Thompson's forces. There were about 3,000 rebels engaged. On our side about 1,700. The battle lasted six hours, and the rebels were completely routed.

The battle was fought on the 21st day of October, 1861. Nothing worth mentioning occurred to us until the 25th day of February, 1862, when we were ordered to prepare for leaving Cape Girardeau, where we had been encamped for over six months; where we had spent many days on fatigue duty in throwing up breastworks, and when we left there were four forts, strongly fortified, mounted with siege guns, and no force the rebels could send against it could take it, and I think we left it secure from invasion.

On the 26th the regiment got on board the steamer Empress, we landed at Commerce, and after staying there a short time we took up our line of march in pursuit of the enemy, said to be retreating from before us. Our advance had a short skirmish with part of Jeff's forces. Our cavalry routed them, and took four small cannon, with a few prisoners. The skirmish was a short distance from Sikestown. Jeff. escaped, but lost his horse and a white feather out of his hat. The next morning we resumed our march. Rain fell that day, and made it hard marching for us, and at length we found ourselves opposite New Madrid. We formed our line of battle and advanced within two miles of the rebel's stronghold, and they commenced shelling us with their heavy guns, but there was little damage done our side, and after remaining under fire for some time, we moved back and bivouacked for the night, as we did not think it advisable to storm the works then, as the rebels were protected by gunboats, and we could not hold them if we should gain possession of them. The weather was quite cold and some snow fell.

After staying here a short time we were ordered to move, and we were soon in motion again. We marched nearly all night, and at last came to a halt, and were ordered to lay down without any fire and make ourselves as comfortable as possible, and there we remained until morning. Such a night as we passed there will long be remembered by me. Some of us had no blankets, and we left our knapsacks at Sikestown. There was some snow on the ground; we waded through water over our shoes, and had to sleep with wet feet; but very little sleep we had that long night. We were four miles from a place called Point Pleasant, and at daylight were on the march for this place. We double-quicked about two miles. There were a few boats tied up at the landing, which our sharpshooters soon drove from there, and they all escaped. Some of the crews were killed.

After Plummer's men drove the rebels from the town, they took possession, and then commenced the work of plunder. Stores were broken into and everything of value was taken. One warehouse was filled with corn, sugar and molasses. Whisky and medicines in abundance, as there were several drug stores, and the boys helped themselves to what they wanted. Our camp was about a mile from the town, and most everything of value was carried off. It was in a low swampy piece of ground, we had no tents, and had to lay on the ground in water, at times the rain pouring in torrents upon us. A detail was made to go and dig rifle pits. The enemy had a gunboat, and they tried to drive Captain Weber and his working party away, but were unable to make the workers desist, and they soon had sufficient protection from the shot and shell that was continually falling around them. Batteries were planted, and they got a siege gun in operation, the enemy's gunboats found it not good policy to venture within reach of our guns; but they planted batteries on the opposite side of the river, and then could not make us leave. We had come to stay for a while, and we were determined on it. New Madrid was soon stormed and taken, and gunboat ran the blockade, and came down the river puffing and blowing, dismounting all the enemies batteries and scattering them in every direction, as if they were nothing but chaff.

After dismounting all the rebel batteries, we were ordered to get ready to move, and soon were in motion again. Mud was over our shoe tops, and it was very hard marching. After a while we arrived at New Madrid. I must mention an occurrence that transpired while at Point Pleasant. One night there was a heavy thunder shower, accompanied with wind and rain, and a good many trees were blown down, and several of the 7th Illinois cavalry men killed and wounded.

One evening a detail of men was made to go and haul a siege gun and plant it below camp about four miles at a place called Tiptonville. The work was performed by morning, the boys having hauled it through mud and mire by hand, and in the morning was ready to go into operation, and that one gun whipped five boats, and made them get out of reach of its shot, and no boats could pass there then, so they had to remain above. When we arrived at New Madrid boats were busy transporting troops across the river, the object being to attack Island No. 10; but while this was being done they evacuated, and about 4,000 prisoners were taken near Tiptonville. As they were trying to escape a floating battery came down the river and created quite an excitement amongst the men until they discovered what it was. Some men boarded with a skiff and found that there was no danger.

Several steamboats floated down passed our camp, and the rebels tried to sink them by cutting holes in them, but still they floated down to us, and our men soon put them in working order. The floating battery sunk near Tiptonville. We took possession of Island No. 10, and got all the heavy siege guns and an immense quantity of provisions, plenty of small arms and ammunition. After remaining at New Madrid for a few days, we took steamboats, steering our course down the river. Gen. Pope was in command at this time. Plummer was our Colonel. We passed several small towns on the way, and arrived at a place called Mosquito Landing, in Arkansas. It was well worth the name, for a worse place for mosquitos I never saw. There was no peace for us--a continual singing in our ears by these torments.

We were within about three miles of Fort Wright, and our mortars and gunboats commenced throwing shot and shell into the rebel works. We could plainly see the smoke and hear the report of our guns as they exploded. After remaining here for a short time we were ordered back up river to opposite Hamburg Landing, where we disembarked, and took up our line of march towards Corinth, where the rebels were making a stand to dispute our progress into the State of Mississippi. Our advance had a fight almost every day, but they drove the rebels before them at every skirmish. They could make but a poor resistance to our advance, and we gained very rapidly on the rebels, and drove them back step by step, until they arrived within about four miles of Corinth. Here a long line of rifle pits were dug, and heavy siege pieces were got into position. We encamped within about six miles of Corinth, and had our grand guard line established to within about three miles of Corinth. Pickets were shooting at one another most of the time, until the 8th of May, 1862, when a brigade of Infantry and some cavalry were ordered out to reconnoitre, when the rebels were drove inside their works. After the day had drawn to a close, and the dew was falling heavily, we retraced our steps, and rested for the night a short distance from Farmington.

Early the next morning our ears were saluted with the heavy boom of cannon. The rebels had planted several batteries during the night, and the 22d and 50th Illinois had barely time to throw off their knapsacks, for the rebels were pouring the shot and shell into them, and they had to take the cover of a heavy piece of timber. The rebels tried to dislodge them, but were unable to do so. The brigade was ordered to take a position on the left, and it was done as soon as possible. We could see the rebels as they charged in heavy masses on our men. They advanced with a yell and a rush, but were obliged to fall back from the heavy fire of our men, who were pouring heavy volleys of musketry into their columns. As their regiments were thrown into confusion the 2d Iowa cavalry made a charge, and drove the rebels back, but there were too many of them and they had to fall back with heavy loss. Their was but little artillery used on our side, as the object was not to bring on a general engagement. It was on this day that the Lieut. Colonel of the 47th Illinois was killed. He was very well liked by the regiment, and they suffered a great loss in his death.