ILLINOIS SIXTY-FIFTH INFANTRY (Three-Years)

Sixty-fifth Infantry. Cols., Daniel Cameron, William S. Stewart; Lieut.-Cols., Daniel Cameron, William S. Stewart, Majs., William S. Stewart, John Wood, George H. Kennedy. This was known as the "Scotch Regiment," was organized at Camp Douglas, Chicago, in the spring of 1862, and was mustered into the U. S. service, May 1. It was ordered to Martinsburg, W. Va., and on its arrival was brigaded with the 125th N. Y. and Battery M, 2nd Ill. artillery. When Col. Miles surrendered at Harper's Ferry the soldiers of the 65th were made prisoners by the enemy, and although paroled they were not exchanged until April 1863. It then served in the campaigns in East Tennessee, taking part in the battles about Chattanooga and in the defense of Knoxville. After a severe winter campaign the regiment reenlisted as a veteran organization and went home on furlough in March, 1864, with over 400 men. Returning to the field, it joined Sherman's army in the Atlanta campaign and on June 15 was brought into a sharp engagement with the enemy between Kennesaw and Lost mountains. Lively skirmishing was continued until the 20th, when the advance was checked by a deep and almost impassable creek the enemy disputing the passage of the only bridge with artillery and infantry. Volunteers being called for, about 50 men of the 65th Ill. stepped forward and charged across the bridge, driving back the enemy and holding the position until the remainder of the regiment crossed. During July and August the regiment was engaged in numerous skirmishes, some of them being quite severe. On Aug. 18 four companies drove a superior force for over 2 miles. On Aug. 26, with 15 days, rations, it began the successful movement south of Atlanta, driving the enemy from Rough and Ready station and destroying the railroad, then moving to Jonesboro and participating in that battle. It followed Hood into Tennessee, was severely engaged at Columbia, losing 3 officers and 50 men, killed and wounded, and it was also in the battle at Franklin, where it captured the colors of the 15th Miss. infantry. It participated in the battle of Nashville, and afterward pursued the retreating enemy to Clifton, where the regiment remained until Jan. 15, 1865. It was then transferred to North Carolina, landing at Federal point on Feb. 7, and was engaged in the heavy skirmishes there. It fought the enemy at Smithtown creek, capturing 3 pieces of artillery and 350 men. From Kinston the first five companies, except veterans, were sent to Chicago for muster-out, and from Raleigh the remainder of the non-veterans were ordered home. On May 1 four new companies of recruits joined the regiment and in June 4 officers and 250 men were assigned to the regiment from the 92d Ill., 2 officers and 12O men from the 112th Ill., and 25 men from the 107th Ill. On July 13, 1865, the regiment was mustered out and started home, arriving at Chicago July 22, where the men received final payment and discharge, July 26, 1865.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 3

Illinois 65th Infantry (Union)

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