Active Duty
Battle of Buena Vista February
Battle of Vera Cruz
Battle of Cerro Gordo, April 18, 1847
Second Call
The End of the War
The Political Climate in Illinois
Works Cited

Illinois in the Mexican-American War

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As the call for volunteers spread throughout the country, Illinois citizen soldiers were anxious to join the conflict. In 1846, with the support of Congress, President James Polk called for volunteers from each state to serve a twelve-month enlistment. The Secretary of War asked the Governor of Illinois for 3,000 volunteers or three regiments on May 29 (McC 14). Governor Ford’s call for Illinois volunteers filled the government quota in ten days (McCartney 1). The first call generated a response of 8,370 men. This number was well over the state’s quota and only 3, 720 were accepted between June 12-26, 1846 (McC 19,21). Volunteers were required to surve 12 months from May 25, 1846-May 25, and 1847. Colonel William Weatherford and Colonel John J. Hardin were appointed to command these recruits (ADJ 194).

The war was popular with the majority of the people because it helped to alleviate the state’s financial crisis and sparked men’s desire for glory and honor. There was an over abundance of labor, scarcity of money and farmers were unable to sell crops. Most people were engaged in trade and bartered for goods and services. The high rate of unemployment in the state and the increase in immigration was alleviated by the call to arms (McC 10). Men from all walks of life were brought together creating a volunteer army from laborers, farmers, coopers, lawyers and doctors. Over half of the volunteer troops were foreign-born (McC 32).

The living conditions and diet of the volunteer soldier was very poor. They ate wild grapes, venison, salt pork, beans and dry bread (McC 27-30). Marching was hazardous and many succumbed to disease, exposure, weather, and lack of food. The government provided their weaponry, which consisted of pistols and dragoon sabers (McC 29). Soldiers had to provide for their own uniform and received $8.00 a month as pay with extra for travel expenses (McC 29).

General John Hardin of the First regiment, Jacksonville lead the call for volunteers at a rally in Springfield,

“Let us not say Taylor and his brave men can whip Mexico without our aid. This is not the language of brave men. Let us have a hand in whipping her. Let our people answer “Aye” in one universal and glorious response.” (Illinois State Register May 29, 1845 McC 21)

The first regiment of Illinois Volunteers to form was the 1st Ottawa Volunteers from St. Clair and Monroe counties (McC 8). They formed on June 30, 1846 under Colonel John J. Hardin. It was comprised of 877 men divided in to 8 companies (McC 30). Many other companies sprang up around the state’s trade centers such as Alton, Belleville, Peoria, and Chicago (Mc 8).

The Second Regiment under Colonel William H. Bissell was made up of 892 men divided into 8 companies. It was also mustered into service on June 30, 1846. As the volunteers left Belleville, they were given a grand farewell. Private Augustus Ehiner of Company H recorded his feelings in his journal,

“I was glad when the farewells were over, as I was so affected by the universal sympathy expressed for us. The Belleville music band was kind enough to accompany us to Alton, our rendezvous. Mr. Jacoby served us a delicious lunch” (Ehinger 1).

The Third Regiment was mustered into service in July of 1846 with 906 men under Colonel Forman.

The Fourth Regiment also formed in July of 1846 with 10 companies under Colonel Edward Baker (McC 32).

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Active Duty

The First, Second and Third Regiments left Alton by way of the Mississippi river on July 17, 1846 headed to New Orleans (Ehinger 3). From there they sailed to Lavaco and marched on to San Antonio arriving in the city on August 25, 1846 (Ehinger 9). Along the way, these troops experienced food and water shortages, harsh weather, and disease. By August of 1846, they reached Camp Crockett, which was located two miles below the Alamo and joined with General Wool’s army becoming a part of the 6^th U.S. Regiment (Ehinger 11-12). By this time, Wool’s forces grew to 3,000 men. Army routines quickly became a way of life as Illinois regiments moved from camp to camp,

“Every morning at 3 am the reveille is sounded; every man must be in line for inspection of arms. An hour afterwards, we cook our breakfast, eat, and take down our tents, pack and be on the march. This is the rule for everyday (Ehinger 11-12).

In September, part of this force which included the First and Second Illinois regiments, began the march south reaching the Rio Grande, San Juan and Santa Rosa. Conditions along the way only grew worse as soldiers died of disease and poor living conditions. Discipline and order among the troops was slowly falling apart as many grew to disrespect Illinois’ Colonel Bissell. Captain Wyatt B. Stapp described the conditions soldiers experienced in a letter home,

“Each has a tin cup, a tin plate and a spoon, a table, and a bread board to sit on. A cup of gruel, toast, rice pudding, and goats milk. On the march we simply lie down on the ground with one blanket above and one below.” (McC 41)

The troops continued marching along the Sierra Gordo Mountains until they reached the city of Monclova. This city was taken by force on October 30, 1846 (Ehinger 10-13). Wool’s forces stayed there a month and then began the march to Parras when he learned that Santa Anna was heading to Potosi. Wool left a force of 250 men from the Second Illinois Regiment to guard Monclova and headed out to pursue the Mexican army (Ehinger 13).

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Battle of Buena Vista February

The battle of Buena Vista was fought in a narrow mountain pass measuring 1 ½- 4 miles in width. General Wool arrived there with fewer than 3,000 men. His forces included the First and part of the Second Illinois. Santa Anna arrived with 20,000 men. As General Wool worked his men into position, General Taylor was six miles away defending his supply line from Santa Anna’s forces. General Taylor’s use of muskets and artillery kept the enemy from gaining victory.

Colonel Bissell and the 2^nd Illinois serving as a division under General Wool at Buena Vista used artillery and cavalry forces to engage the enemy in battle and managed to return fire with dramatic effectiveness. As the Mexican troops retreated, U.S. troops advanced on them. However, the First and Second Illinois and the Second Kentucky were soon forced to pull back into a deep gorge. They were trapped there by the forces of the Mexican army, sustaining heavy losses due to gunfire and lancers. It was here that Colonel Hardin and Colonel Clay were lost (Adj. 194). The units were saved by Colonel Bissell’s quick actions and Washington’s Battery as they opened fire upon the enemy allowing for their escape (McC 46-48). The First and Second Illinois went on to fight the rest of the battle. The next day Santa Anna retreated to Agua Nueva and ended hostilities in the area of Mexico along the Rio Grande (McC 48, 52, Ehinger 73). The First and Second Illinois lost 91 men and counted 85 wounded (McC 49).

“The rapid musketry of the gallant troops from Illinois poured a storm of lead into their serried ranks which literally strewed the ground with dead and dying. But, notwithstanding his losses, the enemy still advanced until our gallant regiment received fire from three sides. Still they maintained their position from a time with unflinching firmness against the immense heat. At length, perceiving the dangers of being entirely surrounded; it was determined to fall back to a ravine. Colonel Bissell, with his coolness of ordinary drill, ordered the signal “cease firing” to be made; he then with the same deliberation gave the command, “Face the rear, Battalion about face: forward march, “ which was executed with the regularity of veterans to a point beyond the peril of being outflanked. Again, in obedience to command these brave men halted, faced about, and under a murderous tempest of bullets from the foe, resumed their well-directed fire. The conduct of no troops could have been more admirable; and, too, until that day they had never been under fire, when, within less than half an hour eighty of their comrades dropped by their sides.”(McC 45)

Col. Henry L. Webb and the Pulaski County Riflemen, an independent company from Illinois, numbering 100 joined in response to the first call. They were all killed at the battle of Buena Vista. They were part of General Wool’s advance guard, left battalion (McC 22).

Near the end of their enlistment, the First and Second Illinois Infantry remained at Buena Vista. Brigadier-General Wool issued the following statement as a testimony to their service,

Headquarters, Buena Vista

May 25, 1847

Orders No. 302

The term of service for which the First and Second Illinois Regiments have engaged to serve the United States has nearly expired, and they are about to return to their homes.  The General Commanding takes this occasion to express his deep regret at the departure of those who have been so long under his immediate command, and who have served so well their country.

Few can boast of longer marches, greater hardships, or more privations, and none of greater gallantry than on the field of Buena Vista.   It was there that the General witnesses with infinite satisfaction their valor, which gave additional luster to our arms, and increased glory to our country.  To their steadiness and firmness in critical moment, and when there were five to one against them, and as General Santa Anna said, “where blood flowed in torrents and their field of battle was strewed with their dead,” we may justly ascribe a large share of the glorious victory achieved over 20,000 men.  A great victory is true; but obtained at too great a sacrifice.  Hardin, Zabriska, McKee, Woodwind, Yell, Clay, and many others,  fell leading their men to the charge.  Their names and gallant deeds will ever be remembered by a grateful people.  In taking leave of these regiment, the general cannot omit to express his admiration of the conduct and gallant bearing of all, and especially of Cols. Bissell and Weatherford and their officers, who have on all occasions done honor to themselves; and heroically sustained the cause of their country in the battle of Buena Vista.  His best wishes will attend them to their homes, where they will be received with joy and gladness as the pride of their families and of their States.

By Command of Brigadier-General Wool

IRWIN M’Dowell, Assistant Adjutant General.

(ADJ XXVIII).

The First and Second Illinois were mustered out of service on June 17, 1847 (McC 52).

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Battle of Vera Cruz

The Third Regiment under Colonel Forman and the Fourth Regiment under Colonel Baker trained at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis serving in the same brigade.  They left July 24, 1846 by way of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, then to the Rio Grande landing at Camargo in September of 1847 (McC 52-54). General Winfield Scott[1]  and General Taylor’s forces were camped on the Rio Grande.  General Scott took the majority of Taylor’s regular troops and began to direct his attention to an attack on the city of Vera Cruz by the sea.  After weeks of planning and preparation, 10,000 men and supplies were moved down the Rio Grande to the Gulf of Mexico.  They then boarded boats and attacked the city from the gulf side on March 9, 1847.  Vera Cruz was a walled city and it was necessary to implement battery fire to force a surrender.  On March 29, the city surrendered (US Grant 61).  The Third and Fourth Regiments under General Shields and General Patterson were among the troops engaged in battle at Vera Cruz (US Grant 62).   

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Battle of Cerro Gordo April 18, 1847

By April, the Third and Fourth regiments began marching to Cerro Gordo.  Santa Anna was stationed in the valley with a force of 15,000.  The Third and Fourth Illinois along with a New York Regiment decided to cut a road around Santa Anna’s forces and to attack from the rear.  On April 18, the battle began.  On the Golopa road Brigadier General Shields fell wounded and Colonel E.D. Baker took over command.  He mounted a new attack, 

“I then directed a company to deploy as skirmishers on the right flank, and ordered a charge upon the enemy’s line, which was reinforced with spirit and success by the third and fourth regiments, of Illinois under command of Major Harris and Colonel Forman.  Then Mexican army fled in great confusion followed by the American troops until they reached Encerro, where darkness halted them” (McC 54-55). 

As the Mexican army fled Illinois troops chased after them and came upon a retreating Santa Anna.  In his carriage, he left behind his lunch of roast chicken, $18,000 in gold and his artificial leg.  Several members of the Fourth Regiment of Illinois volunteers, Company G under Captain Jones were noted as capturing the leg; Private A. Waldron, First Sergeant Samuel Rhodes, and Second Sergeant John M. Gill.  The gold was turned over to the commanding officer and the chicken made a tasty snack for the battle weary soldiers. After they were mustered out of service, members of the Fourth Regiment took the leg back to Pekin as a war trophy.   They were noted as traveling around the state exhibiting the leg in hotel rooms and charging admission.  In a letter dated February 5, 1882, Lieutenant W.A. Tinney recalled the discovery, 

“We stormed their fort and put the enemy to flight, taking about six thousand prisoners, and we captured Gen. Santa Anna’s carriage, also his wooden leg, which I have in my possession.” (ADJ XXX). 

 The leg was later donated the State of Illinois and serves as one of the greatest reminders of the Third and Fourth Illinois’ participation in the battle of Cerro Gordo. (Santa Anna Files).  

The Third Illinois under the command of Colonel Forman brought back a six-pound gun from a Mexican Battery taken during the battle. This was deposited in the Springfield Arsenal in Massachusetts (McC 78). 

Major-General Patterson, commander of the Fourth Illinois Volunteers, sung the praises of Illinois soldiers in a report made just days after the battle, 

“On the afternoon of the 17^th, a rapid and continuous fire of artillery and infantry, announcing that the Second division of the regulars was closely engaged with the left of the enemy’s lines, I was instructed, and immediately directed the Third Volunteer Brigade, under Brig.-Gen. Shields, to proceed at once to its support.  Before the brigade reached the position of that division, the action had ceased for the day; the night was, however, occupied in establishing several pieces of artillery upon a height adjacent to the “Cerro Gordo.”

Early on the morning of the 18^th the brigade moved to turn the extreme left of the enemy’s lines, resting on the Jalapa road.  This was done over rugged ascents and through dense chaparral, under a severe and continuous flack fire from the enemy.  Brig.-Gen. Shields, whilst gallantly leading his command, and forming it for the attack of the enemy, posted in force in his front, fell severely wounded, and was carried from the field. Colonel Baker, Fourth Illinois Regiment, having assumed the command, the enemy’s lines were charged with spirit and success by the Third and Fourth Illinois, and the New York Regiment, under the respective commanders, Cols. Foreman and Burnett, and Major Harris.  The rout now becoming general, the brigade pressed forward in pursuit, leaving a sufficient force to secure the artillery, specie, baggage, provisions and camp equipage left in our hands.” (ADJ XXX) 

The Battle of Cerro Gordo has often been noted as the last battle involving Illinois Troops.  The Third Regiment noted forty-eight killed or wounded and the Fourth Regiment claimed sixteen were killed or wounded (McC 55). Near the end of their term of service, they returned to New Orleans where they were discharged on July 18, 1847or May 23-25, 1847.

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Second Call

The months of May and June 1847 signaled the end of the original one year enlistments.  Many soldiers chose not to reenlist.  They had suffered from disease, harsh weather, lack of food and discipline for one year and many were ready to return home.  Illinois was faced with finding more soldiers to make up for the loss through death, disease and expiration of service (McC 73).

Upon its return home, the Second Illinois Infantry was greeted with parties and celebrations as they arrived in Alton.  Public speeches, parades, brass bands, barbecues and salutes welcomed them. 

“On the twenty-ninth of July one of the greatest ovations ever given to men who had rendered a public service was tendered the troops at Alton, honoring the return of the Second Regiment.  Speeches of welcome were given by Colonel Bissell, Colonel Morrison and Gustavis Koerner.  During the morning thirteen salutes were fired form the grove at which time the Second Regiment formed in procession in the public square.  The parade included a brass band, the soldiers, the ladies, the old settlers, and the people en mass.  They proceeded to the grove where a barbecue was held.  At least 5,000 people attended.  At night the town illuminated and a balloon was sent up”  (McC 74).   

With the approach to the end of the term of enlistment for the first call of service, W.L. Marcy, Secretary of War issued a second call for soldiers in April of 1847.  The terms of service extended to the duration of the war and provided soldiers with weapons (McC  33).  Within two weeks, eleven Illinois companies reported for duty (McC 25).

The Fifth Regiment (1^st Illinois) commanded by Colonel Edward W.B. Newby was formed in June of 1847. John A. Logan from Jackson County was elected as a 2^nd Lieutenant of Company H. They let Alton headed for Fort Leavenworth.  They then spent the next twenty-seven days marching across the prairie on orders to occupy Santa Fe enduring harsh weather and sickness along the way.  Once they arrived, Colonel Newby divided his regiment into two companies.  One company stayed in camp and followed a dry daily routine.  The other half went south to El Paso.  Logan was ordered to stay in Santa Fe where he was named Adjutant of the Post (Cott 4).  However, a measles epidemic struck disabling the majority of the company.  Logan was stricken with the disease but made a complete recovery.  The Company lost nine to the disease. To Logan’s dismay, the disease was the most disastrous event to befall the unit.  They did not engage in any serious fighting.  Over all, Logan’s time in Santa Fe was uneventful.  On October 15, 1848 his unit was mustered out of active duty (Jones 7-10 and McC 55). 

The Sixth Regiment (Second Illinois) under Colonel Collins formed in May of 1847 with 10 companies.  They arrived in New Orleans in August 31, 1847.  They also divided into two battalions.  The First Battalion Companies A,D, E, F, and H went to Camp Bergara, Vera Crus under Colonel Collins.  Once they arrived, they were ordered to guard the national road at San Juan Bridge.  They did engage in guerrilla fighting and lost one person.  The Second Battalion, companies B, C, G, I and J, under Lt. Colonel Hicks went to Tampico to serve Garrison duty. The unit was mustered out on July 20-25, 1848 (McC 55-56).

The due to the rapid response and acceptance of the second set of companies, five independent companies developed.  Captain Adam Dunlap’s Company of Rushville formed in May of 1847.  They spent eighteen months on scouting duty around Matamoras.  They lost fifteen people to disease and many more to desertion.  They were mustered out on November 17, 1848 (McC 56). Captain Wyatt B. Stapp’s Company of Monmouth formed in June of 1847.  They mainly scouted around the city of Pueblo and carried dispatches to General Scott.  Out of 91 volunteers, 40 eventually died. They were mustered out on July 26, 1848 (McC 57). Captain Michael K. Lawler’s Company of Shawneetown formed in August of 1847.  They served as scouts near the city of Vera Crus experiencing little if any action.  They were mustered out on October 26, 1848 (McC 57). Captain Josiah Little’s company of Alton formed in September 1847 and first Lieutenant George Lamphere gathered 30 men in Monmouth.  These companies were responsible for patrolling the roads between the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico City.  They were also engaged in minor skirmishes with guerrilla forces (McC 56). 

Men from Illinois also joined the regular Army, serving in the 14^th and 16^th.  They fought in the Battles of Buena Vista, Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, and El Monlino de Rey.  The Adjutant General’s Reports noted that one person was killed and 23 were wounded (Adj. XXX).  They were mustered out of federal service on June 8, 1848 (McC 58). 

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The End of the War

Illinois Troops engaged in three major battles during the Mexican American War.  They proved themselves in the battles of Buena Vista, Vera Cruz, and Cerro Gordo.  After the battle of Cerro Gordo, Illinois Volunteer troops and independent companies saw on minor action. They served garrison duty, patrols and scouts but did not encounter major hostile action.  They were limited to minor skirmishes with guerrilla forces but the rest of the war passed on with out them. In August 1847, General Scott seized Churubusco.  By September of 1847, Chapultepec fell and Scott marched his troops to Mexico City.  On September 14, 1847 Mexico City fell to General Scott.  The United States then became an army of occupation until the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in February of 1848.  The border between the United States and Mexico was set at the Rio Grande. Mexico gave up the territory that comprised the present day Texas, New Mexico and California.  The U.S. paid the Mexican government $15 million dollars for this land ending the war. Besides gaining more territory for the United States, the Mexican American War served at a training ground for the future military leaders of the Civil War.  These included U.S. Grant, John A. Logan, etc.  

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The Political Climate in Illinois

While the majority of Illinoisians supported Polk’s involvement in Mexico, the resulting war and the call for volunteer soldiers.  There were many who felt that the conflict was politically motivated.  The Whig Representative from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln, was against the war from the beginning and often made public statements against it.  In December 28, 1847, he challenged Polk’s contention that Mexico started the war with the Spot Resolution.  He felt that the war was unnecessary, unconstitutional and started intentionally by America.  Lincoln’s stance cost his reelection in to Congress for it was extremely unpopular to oppose such a patriotic cause. (McC 62-72). 

A total of 116,000 people through out the United States volunteered to serve in the war.  Of these, 13,000 died with 11,155 dead from disease and harsh weather conditions.   “Dirty camps contaminated food and water, and exposure to severe weather conditions led to amoebic dysentery, diarrhea and yellow fever.” Militia units from various stated made up over seventy percent of the United States armed forces during the Mexican war (Hylton).  Illinois contributed a total of 6,123 men between June 1, 1846 and January 1, 1848.  Eighty-Six of these were killed in action, twelve died of wounds, 160 were wounded and 683 died of illnesses.  There were also many cases of desertion that resulted in harsh punishments. (McC 58)

Killed in Action	86
Died of wounds	12
Wounded	160
Died of Illness	683
Total	6,123

The Congressional Session of 1848 issues 160 acres of public domain land to veterans of the Mexican American War.  This offer covered non-commissioned officers, privates, enlisted (regular and volunteer) and those who were killed or wounded.  Pensions were also granted for widows and orphans.  Those soldiers officially discharged were to receive half a pension.  Congress also authorized three months pay for soldiers to assist them in their financial needs.  (McC 80-83)  The State of Illinois was congressionally authorized to present swords to the Colonels of the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th regiments (McC 82).

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Works Cited

Adjutant General’s report containing the complete Muster-Out Rolls of the Illinois Volunteers who Served in the Mexican War, vol.9. 

Compiled by the daughters of the Republic of Texas. The Alamo Long Barrack Museum.Texas: Taylor Publishing Company, 1986 

Cottingham, Carl D, Preston M. Jones and Gary Kent. General John A. Logan: His Life and Times

The Diary of the Travels of Augustus Frederic Ehinger Company H, 2^nd Regiment 1846-1847. Edited by Charles F. Ward. Rosewell, New Mexico: 1978. 

Dupuy, Trevor, Curt Johnson, David L. bongaid.   The Harper Encyclopedia of Military Biography.  Castle Books, 1996 

Hylton, Renee. Citizen Soldiers: An Illustrated History of the Army National Guard. 

Johnson, Col. Carl J. Wilderness Settlers Mould Illinois National Guard Heritage. A paper submitted to the Illinois National Guard. 

Jones, James Pickett. Black Jack. John A. Logan and Southern Illinois in the Civil War Era. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 1967. 

Mauch, Jeffrey. The Education of a Soldier; U.S. Grant in the War with Mexico.  Kentucky: American Kestrel Books, 1996 

McCartney, Samuel Bigger. Illinois in the Mexican War. Northwestern University, 1939 

Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant. Edited by E.B. Long.  New York : A Da Capo Press, 1982. 

Santa Anna Leg Museum Collateral Files General Reference, News Clippings, Photographs #1402.