John C Rigdon

Historical Sketch And Roster Of The Illinois 48th Infantry Regiment John C Rigdon

The Illinois 48th Infantry Regiment was organized at Camp Butler, in the month of Sept., 1861, left for Cairo 900 strong on Nov. 11, and, after its arrival there, constructed barracks for winter quarters. In Jan., 1862, it was engaged in the reconnaissance in the rear of Columbus, Ky., under Gen. Grant. At Fort Donelson, in connection with the 17th and 49th Ill., it charged the enemy's works, but was repulsed with a severe loss, and was under fire during the following day, losing a few men wounded. During the third and last day of the battle it was fiercely engaged and lost 40 in killed and wounded. It was engaged in the battle of Shiloh, bearing its full part and losing over half of its men in killed and wounded. It was in the siege of Corinth in May, 1862, in June was ordered to Bethel as garrison of that post and remained there until 1863. It moved to Memphis in June of the latter year and from there to Vicksburg, where it participated in the operations in the rear of that place, and at Snyder's bluff. It advanced with Gen. Sherman's force against Jackson, participated in the siege and in the charge of July 16, losing 45 men killed and wounded. Being transferred to eastern Tennessee it took part in the battle of Missionary ridge and then followed the retreating enemy to Ringgold. Taking part in the Knoxville expedition for the relief of Gen. Burnside, it arrived at Scottsboro, Ala., on Jan. 1, 1864, and although not yet recovered from their severe campaign, over nine-tenths of the men present reenlisted as veterans. The regiment arrived at Springfield, Ill., on veteran furlough, Jan. 27, and rendezvoused at Centralia. Returning to the field, it participated in the Atlanta campaign, marched with Sherman to the sea and up through the Carolinas, then to Washington, D. C. and from there to Louisville, Ky. From the latter place it moved to Little Rock, Ark., and was mustered out there on Aug. 15, 1865.

Companies:

Company A - Pope County

Company B - Clay County

Company C - Hardin County

Company D - Washington County

Company E - Men from Kentucky

Company F - Marion County

Company G - Wabash County

Company H - White and Wabash Counties

Company I - Wayne County

Company K - Clay County