ILLIONOIS VETERAN BATTALION 14TH AND 15TH INFANTRY (Three Years)

Veteran Battalion, 14th and 15th Infantry.-Col., George C. Rogers; Lieut.-Col., Lemuel 0. Gilman; Majs., Rufus C. McEathron, Carlos C. Cox. This battalion was detailed to guard railroad communications at and near Acworth Ga., a most important and dangerous duty as it was the only route by which Gen. Sherman could supply his immense army with subsistence, etc. In the month of Oct., 1864, when the Confederate Gen. Hood made his demonstration against Sherman's rear several of the battalion were killed and the major part of the remainder captured and sent to Andersonville prison. Those who escaped capture were mounted and on the grand March to the Sea acted as scouts. They were continually in the advance, being the first to drive the Confederate pickets into Savannah. During the long and weary march through the Carolinas, the battalion was on duty day and night, constantly in the presence of the enemy, and gaining notoriety as skirmishers. It was the first to enter Cheraw, S. C., Fayetteville, N. C., and also took part in the battle of Bentonville. At Goldsboro, N. C., the battalion organization was discontinued, a sufficient number of organized companies of recruits having arrived by way of New York and Morehead City, N. C., to fill up the two regiments.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 3

Illinois Vet Infantry (Union)

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