ILLINOIS SEVENTY-THIRD INFANTRY (Three Years)

Seventy-third Infantry. Col., James F. Jaquess ; Lieut.Cols., Benjamin F. Northcott, William A. Presson, James I. Davidson; Majs., William A. Presson, James I. Davidson, William E. Smith, Thomas Motherspaw, Wilson Burrows. This regiment was recruited from the counties of Adams, Champaign, Christian, Hancock, Jackson, Logan, Piatt, Pike, Sangamon, Tazewell and Vermillion. It was mustered into service at Camp Butler Aug. 21, 1862, and numbered 900 strong. It moved almost immediately for the front, reaching Louisville on Aug. 25. Its first engagement was at the battle of Perryville, where it became engaged at about 3 p. m. and continued in action until after 4 o'clock, delivering and receiving a heavy fire. During the first day's fighting at Stone's river it was in several severe conflicts, fully establishing its reputation for courage; and in the engagements of Chickamauga and Missionary ridge the conduct of the regiment merited the praise bestowed in congratulatory orders. At Rocky Face ridge some sharpshooters specially detailed from the regiment did good work, and on May 14, 1864, the regiment fought at Resaca. It bore a part in the action at Adairsville, and two days later in skirmishes about Kingston. Starting forward again and coming in contact with the enemy, the month of June, 1864, chronicled the following engagements, in most of which the regiment participated: Burnt Hickory, Pine and Lost mountains, New Hope Church and Kennesaw mountain. In the assault on Kennesaw mountain it suffered comparatively little, owing to the nature of the ground. It participated in the battle of Peachtree creek and in the investment of Atlanta. The regiment bore a part in the skirmishing near Columbia, Tenn., south of Duck river, which it crossed on the night of Nov. 28. The brigade, now under Emerson Opdycke, colonel of the 125th Ohio, participated in the battle of Franklin, and also took part both days in the battle at Nashville, making on the afternoon of the 16th with many other regiments, its last bayonet charge, which was successful. It was mustered out at Nashville June 12, 1865, and a few days later went to Springfield, Ill., on the same train with the 79th Ill. to receive pay and final discharge. During its term of service its losses were as follows : died in prison, 16; died of disease, 1O2; died of wounds, 45; killed, 52.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 3

Illinois 73rd Infantry (Union)

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