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BY THE CHAPLAIN,
MARION MORRISON.
MONMOUTH, ILLS.:
JOHN S. CLARK, PRINTER.
1864.
In this sketch of the military career of the 9th Ill. Vol. Inft., myobject has been, to present the facts connected with its organization,and its connection with the various battle-scenes through which it haspassed. I have entered upon the compilation of these facts with somedegree of hesitation. I have thrown it into the present shape, only onthe earnest solicitation of a number of the officers and men of the Regiment.Originally nothing more was contemplated than a newspapersketch. It was thought that even the prominent facts in the Regiment'shistory, could not be given in such an article, without making it so longthat publishers would not wish to insert it in their papers, or the readersof such papers be willing to read it.
It has been the writer's aim, not only to give the facts connected withthe various battles in which the Regiment has been engaged, but tonarrate many incidents on marches and scouts, both of a general andindividual character. Often these incidents will throw more light uponthe real workings of soldier life, than accounts of great battles.
I am indebted for most of the facts connected with the marches andbattles of the Regiment, to the kindness of Adjutant Klock. Most ofthe incidents I have gathered from the officers and men in the Regiment.Much dependence had to be put in these, since the writer hasonly been with the Regiment from the first of September, 1863.
It was felt to be due the Regiment, that a sketch of this kind be prepared.It has never had a correspondent to herald its deeds of daringin the news of the day, as many other regiments have. Hence, althoughit has performed a great amount of hard and very valuable service, stillit has but seldom been noticed in the papers. Let justice be done.Nothing more.
If I can but succeed in putting together the substantial facts in theHistory of this Regiment, so that they can be preserved by the boys,in a convenient form for reference, and afford material to aid the futurehistorian in making up the history of this war, I will have accomplishedthe object I have in view.
Cause of the Rebellion—Measures taken by the leaders to deceive themasses—James Buchanan—Lincoln's journey to Washington, andentering upon his duties—Call for 75,000 Volunteers—Organizationof 9th Ill.—Roster of officers—Six Regiments organized in Illinois—Natureof "Three months' service"—Kentucky neutrality—Scouting—Incidents—Whenmustered out—Reorganization.
Every lover of his country will remember, with peculiar emotions,the events of the Winter and Spring of 1861. On the election of AbrahamLincoln to the position of President of the United States, in theautumn of 1860, the Southern portion of our once peaceful and happycountry were indignant at the result. They had so long been accustomedto have everything their own way, so far as President-makingwas concerned, that they could not endure the thought of being supercededin their favorite work. For years they had elected Presidentswho were either Southern men, or Northern men whose views agreedwith their own on the great question at iss