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HISTORY

OF THE

EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT

ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,

DURING ITS TERM OF SERVICE.



By J. R. KINNEAR,

Cruger, Woodford County, Illinois.



CHICAGO:
TRIBUNE COMPANY'S BOOK AND JOB PRINTING OFFICE.

1866.



TO THE

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN

OF THE

EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT

ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,

_This volume is respectfully dedicated, by_

THE AUTHOR.




PREFACE.


The history of the Eighty-sixth Illinois was written in part while the
regiment was yet in the service, merely for the gratification of a
personal desire; but since its muster out, the author has been
frequently urged by many of his friends to have it published, that they
might share what he alone enjoyed. He complied with an earnest request
from Colonel Fahnestock to meet himself, General Magee, Major Thomas,
Dr. Guth, Captain Zinser and others at Peoria, to have the manuscript
examined before publication. It was met by their hearty approval, and
an eager desire on their part to have it published; at the same time
giving the assurance that they would lend their whole influence in
getting it before the public. For these reasons the author has been
induced to present this little volume to his comrades and friends, in
the hope that it will receive their hearty welcome.

The history of the Eighty-sixth is also the history of the 85th, 125th
and 110th Illinois, together with the 52nd Ohio and 22nd Indiana, all
of the same brigade. Particular mention has been made of these
regiments, for they were to the Eighty-sixth a band of faithful
brothers.

The author acknowledges himself indebted to Colonel Fahnestock, Major
Thomas, Captain Major, and Acting Adjutant Loveland, for the kind
assistance and encouragement they have given him in preparing this
history for publication, and to them he attributes the merit of this
work, if it possesses merit.

THE AUTHOR.




CONTENTS.


CHAPTER I.

  ORGANIZATION AND MARCH TO NASHVILLE--ABOUT NASHVILLE           9-18

CHAPTER II.

  MARCH TO CHATTANOOGA--THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA               19-28

CHAPTER III.

  MISSION RIDGE AND KNOXVILLE                                   29-36

CHAPTER IV.

  ABOUT CHATTANOOGA                                             37-46

CHAPTER V.

  CAMPAIGN AGAINST ATLANTA                                      47-71

CHAPTER VI.

  TO THE REAR                                                   72-78

CHAPTER VII.

  RAID TO THE SEA                                               79-91

CHAPTER VIII.

  RAID THROUGH SOUTH CAROLINA--BATTLES OF AVERYSBORO
  AND BENTONVILLE                                              92-108

CHAPTER IX.

  CAPTURE OF JOHNSTON'S ARMY                                  109-114

CHAPTER X.

  HOMEWARD BOUND                                              115-125

  REGIMENTAL ROSTER                                           126-128

  CAPTAIN BURKHALTER'S ADVENTURE                              129-130

  SOLDIERS' LETTERS                                           131-132

  BATTLE                                                      133-134

  FARMING IN THE SOUTH                                        135-137

  REBEL LETTER                                                138-139




HISTORY.




CHAPTER I.

ORGANIZATION, AND MARCH TO NASHVILLE--ABOUT NASHVILLE.


The Eighty-sixth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry was organized
at Peoria in the latter part of August, 1862. David D. Irons was made
Colonel; David W. Magee, Lieutenant-Colonel; J. S. Bean, Major, and J.
E. Prescott, Adjutant.

On the 26th of August the captains of the several companies drew lots
for the letters of their companies, and on the next day the regiment
was mustered into the United States service for the period of three
years or during the war. On the 29th of the same month it received one
month's pay, amounting to thirteen dollars. Nothing more of importance
occurred until the 6th of September, when the regiment drew its guns
and its first suit of army blue. While at Peoria the Eighty-sixth was
rendezvoused at Camp Lyon, a name given it by Colonel Irons. Time
passed slowly, for all were anxious to move to the seat of war, and
were not at rest till they did. Finally, orders came, and on the 7th of
September the regiment boarded the cars for Louisville.

Every member of the Eighty-sixth left Peoria with mingled feelings of
pleasure and pain--pleasure, that they were about to participate in the
great struggle for Union and Liberty--pain, that they were called upon
to part with their nearest and dearest friends. It was on Sunday
morning; beautiful and bright the sun shone