ILLINOIS CHICAGO MERCANTILE BATTERY (Three Years)

Chicago Mercantile Battery.-Capts., Charles G. Cooley, Patrick H. White; First Lieuts., Frank C Wilson, James H. Swan, George Throop, Pinckney S. Cone, Henry Roe; Second Lieuts., David R. Crego, Frederick B. Bickford, Joseph W. Barr, Henry Roe, Florus D. Meacham, James C. Sinclair. This battery was recruited and organized under the auspices of the Mercantile Association, an association of prominent merchants of the city of Chicago. It was mustered into the U.S. service at Camp Douglas Aug. 29, 1862, and remained in camp till Nov 8, when it was ordered to the field, reaching Memphis on the 11th, where it disembarked and went into camp on Poplar street. From there it accompanied Gen. Sherman on his expedition up the Yazoo, or the first attack upon Vicksburg, being assigned to the old 1Oth division of the 13th army corps, and reached the battle field on the morning of Dec. 27, performing splendid service on the right of the line. It then embarked on transports and with the rest of the army took part in the reduction of Arkansas Post. Crossing the Mississippi at Bruinsburg on the night of April 30, 1863, it was in time to take part in the battle of Port Gibson and was actively engaged and performed splendid service during the entire day. Continuing its march towards Vicksburg, it again encountered the enemy at Champion's hill, where it had a fearful artillery duel with an 8-gun battery belonging to the 1st Miss. light artillery. The following day more laurels were won at the battle of Black River bridge. On May 22, an assault was ordered along the whole line at Vicksburg and one section of the battery literally charged a bastion, pulling their guns by hand up to within 20 feet of the works. The following day one section was ordered to report to Gen. Alvin P. Hovey, on the extreme left of the line, where it remained for several days, and performed gallant service in the cause. After the surrender of Vicksburg it encountered the enemy at Jackson and was hotly engaged with him for seven days. It took part in the disastrous affair at Sabine cross-roads, and fought bravely to the last at close quarters, double-shotting the guns with canister. The losses were 2 officers killed and 2 captured, 4 men killed, 9 wounded and 23 taken prisoners. Late in June, 1865, the battery was ordered home to be mustered out, reaching Chicago July 3, where the men received their final payment and were mustered out of service July 10, 1865, having traveled by river, sea and land over 11,000 miles. On their arrival in Chicago a banquet was given in their honor in the Tremont House, and a glorious reception awaited them from the Mercantile Association and other friends. The total number of men connected with the battery was 244, it having been recruited several times while in the field. Of the original 156 officers and men who left Chicago with it Nov. 8, 1862, but 35 returned on July 3, 1865.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 3

Illinois Chicago Mercantile Light Artillery (Union)

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