Illinois in the Civil War

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The United States experienced a great amount of internal conflict due to the issue of slavery. The beginning of the 19th century was marked with bitter hatred between pro-slavery supports and abolitionists. As the nation grew and new states were added, there was continuous debate about free labor and slave labor in these new territories. With the enactment of the Fugitive Slave Law, tension only increased when anti-slavery states were forced to return runaways, southern slave owners chased and captured runway slaves in northern territories and when free blacks living in the North were taken captive. Pro-slavery and antislavery battles were pitched before Congress with the passage of laws and bills designed to give southern states unlimited power over slavery.

The incidents at Harper’s Ferry stand out as one of the major precursors to the war of succession. John Brown, with a group of anti-slavery supporters, captured the arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, Virginia. His plan was to seize arms and incite a slave rebellion. His plan did not work and he was captured. As punishment for his crimes, he was hung.

By 1860, Southern politicians were eager to elect a pro-slavery president. They were unsuccessful in their attempts with the election of Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln in November of 1860. Before his inauguration into office, angry southern secessionists began plotting their withdraw from the Union. Politicians staged rallies and conventions where they professed the idea of state supremacy over the powers of the federal government. Southern slaveholders exerted political pressure on the southern populace to convince them to throw off the yoke of the federal government in favor of preserving their "particular institution." The cry for independence was heard all over the south as states began expressing their desires and started collecting arms for the battle that would follow. By January of 1861, several states declared themselves to be independent and began seizing federal property. In February, seven states joined and declared themselves to be the Confederate States of America. They elected Jefferson Davis as president.

Tensions continued to brew as Federalist held Fort Sumter in North Carolina. Secessionists demanded that the Federalist evacuate the fort and launched an attack on April 12, 1861. The skirmish lasted several days until Union troops evacuated the fort due to lack of supplies.

With the start of hostilities at Fort Sumter, President Lincoln called for troops to put down the rebellion and preserve the union. Speaking from Washington D. C. on April 15, 1861, Lincoln called for 75, 000 troops.

WHEREAS, The laws of the United States have been and are opposed in several States by combinations too powerful to be suppressed in the ordinary way, I therefore call for the militia of the several States of the Union, to the aggregate number of 75,000, to suppress said combination and execute the laws. I appeal to all loyal citizens to facilitate and aid this effort, and maintain the laws and integrity of the National Union and the perpetuity of popular government, and redress wrongs long endured. The first service assigned will probably be to repossess the forts, places and property which have been seized from the Union. The utmost care will be taken, consistent with the object, to avoid devastation, destruction or interference of peaceful citizens in any part of the country; and I hereby command the persons composing the aforesaid combinations to disperse within twenty days from this date. I hereby convene both Houses of Congress for the 4th of July next, to determine upon such measures as the public safety and interest may demand.

http://www.outfitters.com/illinois/history/civil/proclamation1.html

Responding to the President’s call for troops, Governor Richard Yates of Illinois issued a proclamation on April 15, 1861 in which he convened the General Assembly and initialized the called for troops and money to support the federal campaign.

I, Richard Yates, Governor of the State of Illinois, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution, hereby convene the Legislature of said State, and the members of the 22d session of the General Assembly are hereby required to be and appear in their respective places, at the Capitol, in the city of Springfield, on Tuesday, the 23d day of April, A. D. 1861, for the purpose of enacting such laws and adopting such measures as may be deemed necessary upon the following subjects, to-wit: The more perfect organization and equipment of the militia of this State, and placing the same upon the best footing; and to render efficient assistance to the General Government in preserving the Union, enforcing the laws, and protecting the property and rights of the people. Also, to raise such money and other means as may be required to carry out the foregoing objects, and also to provide for the expenses of such session.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and have caused the great seal of the State to be hereunto affixed. At the city of Springfield, this 15th day of April, A. D. 1861.

By the Governor: RICHARD YATES.

In response, the Illinois General Assembly authorized six regiments consisting of 125 officers and 4,458 soldiers. As excitement spread around the state, many militia units were formed. Illinois soon exceeded her initial requirements for six units due to the popularity of enlisting. Ten more units were added to help alleviate the pressure imposed on the state by men who wanted to volunteer.

The state accepted these volunteer units as quick as they were formed. The 7th through the 12th formed, leaving the designation 1st –6th Volunteer Infantries to honor the veterans Mexican American War. The first enlistments were for 100 days or three months of service. The President and many others believed that this would be a short conflict put down by an early show of force. The government and the states were not prepared for the long conflict that would follow. They lacked supplies, food, uniforms, weapons and military training.

Each regiment consisted of 845 to 1,025 men divided into 10 companies. Within each company, there were various job divisions consisting of, 82 privates, 1 waggoner, 2 musicians, 8 corporals, 4 sergeants, 1 first sergeant, 1 second lieutenant, 1 first lieutenant and 1 captain. The regiment staff contained 2 principal musicians, 1 hospital steward, 1 commissary sergeant, 1 quartermaster sergeant, 1 sergeant major, 1 chaplain, 2 assistant surgeons, 1 surgeon (ranked as a major), 1 quartermaster, 1 adjutant, 1 major, 1 lieutenant colonel and 1 colonel.

Illinois population in 1860 was 1,711,961. The state was divided between northern abolitionists and down state pro-slavery supporters. Southern Illinois contained a mixed population with roots to Kentucky and Virginia (Viii ) Many supported the institution of slavery but were unwilling to sacrifice the union to sacrifice it. As volunteers assembled, many companies formed out of close knit communities, which included common background, ethnicity and religion (xvi).

After the Union’s July and August defeat at Bull Run and Wilson’s Creek, it was clear to the nation that this war would be longer and more complicated that was expected. There was no end insight to the conflict that some assumed would be over in a matter of weeks. Lincoln was forced to issue a call for 500,000 more troops.

In order to ready all of these troops for battle, instill some organization, and train troops, military camps sprang up around the state. Camp Douglas, Camp Long, Camp Mather, and Camp Blum in Chicago served as muster stations. Camp Mather, Peoria and Camp Yates, Camp Taylor and Camp Butler in Springfield along with camps in Quincy, Carrolton and Aurora also served as training grounds for the state’s large number of troops.

Cairo served as a supply depot, camp, and hospital for troops in the Mississippi Valley. This was an important point for moving troops and supplies into Mississippi. A large contingent of troops helped to protect Illinois and prevent any internal hostilities.

Illinois’ commitment lasted throughout the war. By 1865, the State had committed over 255,000 men to the effort. This consisted of 150 infantry regiments, 17 cavalry units, 2 regiments of light artillery, and 8 independent batteries. This number was also supplemented with special units, colored troops and sailors.

List of Regiment Compositions:

1st and 2nd Artillery
1st through 17th Cavalry
7th through 156th Infantry
*29th Regiment was a special all African American Infantry regiment (4-5).

Independent Companies

The Chicago Board of Trade Independent Battery Light Artillery, the Chicago Mercantile Independent Battery Light Artillery, William Cogswell’s Battery of Light Artillery, Colvin’s Independent Battery Light Artillery, Henshaw ‘s Independent Battery Light Artillery, Renwick’s Elgin Independent Battery Light Artillery and Springfield Illinois Light Artillery, Sturgis Rifles.

Illinois units were involved in several major battles and campaigns. Her influence in the war effort was greatly felt as her soldiers showed bravery and courage on many battlefields. Illinois participated in such places as, Fredricksberg, Chancellorsville, Getysburg, Appomatix, the Peninsular Campaign, Antietam, Machanicsville, Drury’s Bluff, Va., Bentonville, NC., Petersburg, Belmont, Ft. Donelson, Pea Ridge, Shiloh, Corinth, Hatchie Bridge, Harlsville, Chickasaw Bayou, Stone’s River, Raymond, Champion’s Hill, Vicksburg, Jackson, Chickamauga, Knoxville, Missionary Ridge, Renagold, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Ezra Church, Allatoona Pass, Franklin, Nashville, and Fort Blakely.

Most Illinois Units were stationed in the Western Theater of war due to its proximity to Illinois and the ease of transporting troops. Illinois troops were primarily tied to the Army of the Cumberland, Sherman’s Army and the Army of the Western Mississippi.

Besides giving troops to battle, Illinois was also the site of several prison camps throughout the war. Large numbers of prisoners were detained and died at Camp Douglas, Chicago, Rock Island Prison, Alton Penitentiary and at Camp Butler, Springfield. Camp Butler has over 850 Confederate soldiers buried on her grounds. These men died of disease, wounds, and malnutrition. (Illinois Camps, Posts, and Prisons www.outfitters.com/illiois/history/civil/cwprisons.html)

Illinois’s contribution to the war exacted a great price on the state. Men from Illinois comprised 16% of the total number of Union troops. The war took a devastating toll on them with a high death rate. By the end of the war, Illinois lost 34,834 men out of a total enlistment of 259,092 (Hicken 5). Of this number, 1,700 died in Confederate prison camps. The overall mortality rate attributed to the war was high due to a variety of issues. Poor sanitation, inadequate healthcare, and lack of proper nutrition contributed a high loss of life. For instance, one in twenty died from battle or wounds and 1 in 11.2 died from disease (23). Overall, one out of every 7.3 died in service to their country.

Illinois’ Involvement (chronological order)

April 12, 1861 - Lincoln calls for 75,000 troops

April 16, 1861 - Governor Yates and the Illinois General Assembly authorized a total of 16 Infantry Regiments, 1 regiment of Cavalry, 1ne battalion of light artillery and $350,000 to support the war

May 3, 1861- Lincoln called for 42,034 volunteers for 3 years

July 1861-Illinois provided 17 more regiments plus five cavalry regiments

July 21, 1861-Union defeated at Bull Run

Illinois offered 13 Infantry regiments, 3 cavalry regiments, and 1 battalion of artillery

September 9, 1861- Battle of Lexington, 23rd Irish Brigade

September 9-12, 1861- U.S. Grant, captured Paducah, Ky, 9th and 12th Infantry

December 1861-34th Illinois skirmish with Germans near Munford, Kentucky

December 1861-43,000 Illinois Troops serving, 17,000 in training

February 2, 1862-Ft. Henry, Tennessee- 4th IL. with Grant and McClernand

February 14-16, 1862- Capture of Ft. Donelson. Illinois units: 7, 9, 11, 12, 17, 18, 20, 29, 31, 32, 41, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 57, 58, 66, 74

March 7, 1862- Battle of Pea Ridge- Illinois units: 35, 59, 36, 37, 44

April 6, 1862- Battle of Shiloh -Fought under U.S. Grant, General McClernand was in command of the 1st division, which consisted of 10 Illinois Regiments. Units: 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 28, 32, 34, 40, 41, 43, 45, 46, 50, 52, 53, 55, 58, 61.

May 3, 1862- Battle of Farmington Tennessee- Illinois Regiments: 8, 10, 16, 22, 27, 26, 42, 47, 51

May 24, 1862- Battle of Corinth- Illinois Regiments: 10, 32, 52

May 30, 1862-Call for 1 Infantry Regiment went out

July 1, 1862-Lincoln called for 300,000 troops for 3 year enlistments. Illinois’ quota set at nine infantry regiments.

August 5, 1862-Linconl called for 300,000 troops for 9-month enlistments. Illinois quota reached 52,296

October 8, 1862- Battle of Perryville Illinois Regiments: 19, 21, 24, 25, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 42, 58, 59, 73, 74, 75, 80, 85, 86, 88, 89, 123, 125, 154.

November 1, 1862- Illinois committed 125 infantry regiments, 16 cavalry regiments, 30 batteries of artillery, and an excess of 20,000 men

November 7, 1862- Battle of Belmont, Missouri- McClernand’s Brigade with the 22, 27, 30, 31

December 27, 1862- Battle of the Chickasaw Bayou- Illinois Regiments: 13, 16, 55, 77, 97, 108, 131

December 31, 1862- Battle of Stone River -Illinois Regiments: 7th Cav, 10, 19, 21, 22, 25, 27, 34, 35, 36, 38, 42, 44, 51, 59, 73, 74, 75, 79, 84, 88, 89, 100

January 11, 1863- Capture of Fort Hindman, on the Arkansas River. Illinois Regiments under the command of Illinois General McClernand: 13, 55, 77, 97, 113, 116, 118, 131

April 30, 1863- Vicksburg Campaign

May 1, 1863- Battle of Port Gibson, Both Generals U.S. Grant, and McClernand were present. Illinois Regiments: 20, 33, 45, 99

May 12, 1863- Battle of Raymond, Generals Grant, McClernand, and Logoan participated. Illionois Regiments 8, 20, 45, 81

May 16, 1863- Battle of Champion’s Hill, Generals Grant and Logan participated. Illinois regiments: 20, 56, 93

July 4, 1863- Vicksburg fell- Generals Grant, Logan, McClernand and Ransom-Illinois regiments: 8, 20, 45, 81 – The 45th Regiment hung regimental flag from courthouse.

September 18-20, 1863- Battle of Chickamauga Creek- Illinois Regiments: 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 34, 35, 36, 38, 42, 44, 51, 73, 78, 79, 84, 88, 89, 92, 96, 98, 100, 104, 110, 115, 123

October 17, 1863-Lincoln called for 300,000 more troops. Illinois quota set at 27, 930.

October 20, 1863- Siege of Chattanooga under the Command of U.S. Grant. Illinois Regiments: 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 26, 27, 33, 34, 36, 40, 42, 44, 51, 55, 56, 59, 63, 73, 74, 75, 79, 84, 88, 89, 90, 93, 100, 103, 104, 123, 127

February 1864-140,641 Illinois men enlisted in war out of 145,100 requested

February 1, 1864-Linclon called for 500,000 men. Illinois quota 46,309

March 14, 1864-Lincoln called for 200,000 men. Illinois quota 18,524

May 7, 1864- Sherman’s invasion of Georgia-Illinois Regiments: 7, 10, 12, 20, 31, 34, 36, 42, 44, 48, 50, 52, 55, 57, 59, 64, 66, 73, 74, 75, 78, 79, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 88, 92, 93, 95, 100, 103, 104, 107, 111, 116, 123, 125, 127

June 1864-11,328 Illinois men recruited with 100-day enlistments sent to hold captured territory.

June 27, 1864- Battle of Kennesaw: Illinois Regiments: 10, 36, 55, 59, 75, 78, 85, 86, 103, 111, 116, 125, 127

July 1, 1864-Illinois begins draft

July 18, 1864-Lincoln calls for 500,000 men. Illinois quota 52,057

July 20, 1864- Battle of Atlanta (Peach Tree Creek) Illinois Regiments- 20, 31, 55, 64, 74, 79, 82, 104

July 25, 1864- Battle of Ezra Church, Illinois regiments: 9, 12, 20, 52, 59, 66, 75, 80, 84, 127

August 20, 1864- Battle of Jonesboro, Illinois regiments: 78th Infantry along with the 92 and 123 mounted infantry

September 1, 1864-Atlanta fell

October 5, 1864- Battle of Allotoona Pass- Illinois Regiments: 7, 12, 50, 57, 93

November 4 and 6, 1864- Battle of Overall’s Creek and the Battle of Wilkinson Pike Illinois Regiments: 61s

November 12 , 1864- Beginning of Sherman’s march to the sea

November 15, 1864: Battle of Griswoldville- Illinois Regiments 40, 103

November 15, 1864: Battle of Nashville, Illinois Regiments: 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 49, 58, 59, 72, 75, 80, 81, 84, 95, 96, 107, 114, 117, 119, 122

November 29, 1864- Battle of Spring Hill, Illinois Regiments: 42, 51, 79, 100

November 30, 1864- Battle of Franklin, Illinois Regiments: 21, 38, 65, 72, 75, 80, 84, 96, 100, 107, 112, 115

December 19, 1864-Lincoln called for 300,000 troops. Illinois quota 32,892

April 9, 1865- General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the American Civil War

Illinois provided a total of 256,297 soldiers to the war effort

Works Cited

Illinois Military Units in the Civil War Civil Centennial Commission November 1962

Walton, Clyde. Illinois and the Civil War. Civil War Centennial Commission. Springfield, IL. 1956-60

Hicken, Victor. Illinois in The Civil War. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1991

Lossing, Benson. A History of the Civil War. New York: The War Memorial Association, 1912.