The Marching 12th Wisconsin Infantry: a 15 Year Old Drummer Boy

The Marching 12th Civil War Wisconsin Infantry And a 15 year old drummer boy

George Inman, and his father, Jack Inman, as they appeared in uniform just before they left Camp Randall, Madison.

Copyright William C. Schuette

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The Marching Twelfth A story of the 12th Wisconsin Civil War Infantry And a 15-year old Drummer Boy

Prologue This is the story of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry in the Civil War, and a 15-year old boy who could not resist the call to fight for his country.

The 12th Wisconsin Infantry was made up primarily of men from and around Sauk County, Wisconsin.

Many, like our young man, were also in their teens and twenties. They had heard the call and signed up to fight. It’s unlikely they really knew what they were getting into, as few had ever ventured further than their local community. It was an adventure they could not pass up. The war would be over in a few months, most thought, and they’d be back home in no time. They were, indeed, in for a rude awakening.

This story revolves around 15 year old George Inman from the LaValle-Ironton area. The story of some of his adventures has been preserved in a newspaper article, written when he was well into his 80s. His memory was clear, and he was excited to tell his story to an eager journalist.

As we have only that brief article concerning Inman’s life in the Union Army, we must rely on the exploits of the 12th Wisconsin, which was extensively covered in letters to the editors of area newspapers.

There were a handful of correspondents who regularly reported on the day-to-day life of the troops as they marched to the southern lands to engage the “enemy.” Since George Inman was part of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry, Company B, it is obvious that George would have also experienced the events which it experienced.

In writing this story, I have been primarily interested in covering the everyday events that the Wisconsin 12th Infantry experienced, and not so much the battles in which they participated, of which there were many. That story has been covered by other writers in other venues. This story takes us into the camps and tags along with the men as they trek into territories strange and foreboding to these young recruits. It was a new and exciting adventure for them, and hopefully their stories will provide a look into their lives as they experienced the life and death struggle to reunite the American States.

The story begins at the outbreak of the War Between the States, as recruiters combed the country, seeking volunteers to help fight for the Union cause.

Some of the photos in this publication are used to illustrate the narrative and may not necessarily depict the actual events described. Photos that do relate to the narrative, are so labeled.

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The Call to Arms!

On the second day of September 1861, Giles Stevens, a lawyer from Reedsburg, having received a commission from Gov. Randall for that purpose, commenced enlisting a military company, called “The Pioneer Rifles.” Within one week, forty area men had enlisted, and shortly thereafter, the company of 100 men, had been filled. Enlistees were primarily from LaValle, Westfield, Reedsburg, Wonewoc, Winfield, and Hillsboro. The men then began drill practice in Reedsburg, before going to Madison to be sworn in and begin their active service. On October 18th, a meeting was held in the basement of the Presbyterian Church, and swords were presented to the officers, by the citizens of Reedsburg. A week later, the men were on their way to Madison.

In an article for the Reedsburg Free Press, dated July 19, 1872, S.A. Dwinnell recalled that day. “On the morning of October 30th, the people and friends of the soldiers assembled to bid them adieu, and in some instances, as the result proved, a last greeting. As they passed out of the village, citizens, under direction of Captain F.A. Wier, lined the street south of the flouring mill of S. Mackey & Co., and gave them three cheers at parting. They were taken by wagon to Spring Green, and then to Camp Randall in Madison.

This was the first company which had then left the North Western portion of Sauk County for the war, and it awakened new and sad emotions in many souls.”

After more training at Camp Randall, and having been mustered into the United States Union Army, the unit was designated the Wisconsin 12th Infantry, Company B, with George E. Bryant as their Colonel.

Colonel George E. Bryant

Camp Randall in Madison, WI, as it looked in 1864

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The Union was Calling In 1928, Merton Edwin Krug, author of History of Reedsburg and the Upper Baraboo Valley, also researched and wrote a story about a young drummer boy from LaValle. This short story was published in the Reedsburg Free Press, Aug. 30, 1928, and also in the Milwaukee Journal.

Krug visited the home of George Inman and his wife, Mary, who were living in LaValle.

George was 82 at the time, and the Civil War, in which he served, had been relegated to the history books for over 70 years.

During the interview, many interesting stories were related to Krug by Mr. Inman.

He indicated that he had been with Sherman on his famous “March to the Sea.” “They always called me the youngest man in Sherman’s entire army! I was a drummer,” said George Inman at the time of the interview in 1928 George.

George Inman, a native of England, was born in 1846, and came to America with his parents and 16 siblings in 1858 at the age of 12. The family settled in Ironton Township.

Krug noted in his article, “But they came at a time when the outbreak of the Civil War was imminent; and it was destiny that placed them in the land in time to fight for the nation’s unity. Mr. Inman remembers those days, and he cannot but feel proud of the part he played in the war.”

It was during the warm autumn days of September, 1861, that George Stevens, of Reedsburg, began recruiting a company of volunteers from the northwestern parts of Sauk County. “George Inman was but a boy of fifteen but he set his heart on going with the company,” wrote Krug.

George was permitted to accompany the new recruits to Madison but was not allowed to go any further, primarily because of his age. To join the Union Army, a man had to be at least 18 and have the permission of his parents.

Col. Bryant of the 12th Regiment told Inman to go back home and “Wait a while.” Krug noted that, “The spirit, which can never be killed, and very seldom suppressed, was in his heart, the Union was calling him.” A trait which seemed all too common among the youth who wanted to join up and help their countrymen, “beat those Rebs.”

But George Inman would not be dissuaded, even though his parents attempted to convince him to remain at home until he was older.

So, when he decided he could wait no longer, he conceived a plan with a neighbor boy his own age, to run away and join the army.

That day finally arrived in late December of 1861. One night he went to bed as usual, and waited until his parents were fast asleep. Getting up at 11:30 p.m., George slipped out of his upstairs bedroom window, and along with his buddy, took off for Madison to join the Union Army. The weather was undoubtedly cold, and we can assume that they probably walked most of the way, hitching buggy rides as the opportunity arose.

Finally they reached Camp Randall where new recruits were encamped. They were allowed to train with the troops, however after three days had passed, George’s father, Jack, showed up to try and induce him to return home. It was noted that his father was “heartbroken and his mother was heartbroken,” but the pleas went unheeded. George would not be dissuaded, he was going to join the army.

Krug wrote, “Then, decided Jack Inman, if the boy must go, he would go to look after him. Accordingly, word reached Martha Inman that both her husband and her boy were in the army.”

The Cornelius Grinnell sailing ship on which 12 year old George Inman and his family came to America from England in 1858.

Jack Inman 4

After Jack Inman had been mustered into the army, he received word that 15-year-old George, had been rejected. “In his desperation, George went to Col. Bryant, and told him of his plight, saying that because his father was now in the ranks, it would not be fair to reject him. Accordingly, the Colonel took the matter under advisement. ‘We’ll fix that!’ he told George, ‘we’ll make you a drummer.’”

Taking the place of a man from Boscobel who had been drafted, George received a bounty of $300 cash ($8,200 today), for enlisting and was allowed to join his home company.

From Reedsburg there entered the army, six fathers with one son each, two fathers with two

sons each, and one father with three sons. There went also, twenty pairs of brothers. In addition to this, there were five instances where three brothers went from a family, and in one case four; making seventy-nine in all, who stood in the relation of father, son and brother to each other.

This case is probably without a parallel in a town of twelve hundred inhabitants in the entire land, where they entered the army voluntarily, and shows how very heartily fathers and sons and brothers threw themselves into the work of saving the nation in the hour of danger.

Off To War Company B of the Twelfth Regiment of Wisconsin along with all the other companies of the 12th, were duly mustered into the Union Army on January 11, 1862, and left Camp Randall for Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, where they were assigned.

There were 1,049 in number, the largest detachment that had left the state at that time.

They left camp and boarded the train near the front gate, headed for Chicago. Upon arrival the next morning, a soldier from Company E, Hosea W. Rood, wrote that, “Much of Chicago was out to see the sight. Chicago by gas light—no electricity then—with doors, windows and balconies, as well as every foot of pavement, crowded with men, women and children, all clapping hands and shout-

ing all sorts of patriotic sentiments, while a truly splendid band, leading a full regiment of young soldiers going forth to fight for our flag and all it means, and filling the air with such music as ‘Rally Around the Flag, Boys’.”

Right up front leading the way with other drummers and fifers was George Inman, beating out the marching cadence with his drum, for the troops as they went off to war, not to the south where the war was raging, but westward, towards New Mexico. New Mexico!?

Chicago in 1865

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The New Mexico Campaign was a Civil War operation in which the Confederates invaded northern New Mexico Territory in an attempt to control the Southwest and the gold fields of Colorado and ports in California. This attempt lasted from February through April of 1862. The Confederates were ultimately defeated and driven out of the territory.

Being unable to cross the Mississippi River at Quincey, Illinois, because of the ice, the men of the 12th infantry continued on down river to near Hannibal, Missouri, where they spent the night on the 13th of January. The weather was freezing with a temperature of twenty degrees below zero. There was no shelter, so they had to spend the night lying on the cold ground near the river, without tents.

S.A. Dwinnell continued his account in the Reedsburg Free Press, “Crossing the Mississippi,

much better comfort than their companions in arms, noted Dwinnell.

Another writer, whose initial is “B,” penned a letter to the Patriot newspaper regarding their trip to Weston. “If severer hardships are in store for us than on that miserable ride of 24 hours, without fire, without lights, without warm food, we are not in haste to encounter them.” He also noted a measles outbreak among the troops sidelined many, and exposure to the cold on the trip, took an additional toll. Their “hospital” was Union College in Weston, where over 100 men were on the sick list.

Several days later on January 19th, J.H. penned a letter to the Patriot newspaper. He wrote, “The 12th Wisconsin Regiment is now here, encamped on a hill overlooking the town [Weston, Missouri].

You, in Wisconsin, think you have ‘blue times,’ but I tell you, you should be thankful that you live in a state where the ravages of war are not likely to come.

After crossing the Mississippi, it seemed as though we had left the land of civilization and landed on the shores of heathendom, so little life and enterprise is here at all along the border.”

The writer also noted that at the time, Rebel prisoners had been sent to headquarters for trial, and then imprisoned. However, those procedures were soon changed. “…but now, they are more summarily dealt by—they now draw on secesh [secessionists] ‘at sight.’” In other words, they are shot on sight!

J.H. continues his account: “At Palmyra, the day before we crossed the river, a party of 14 scesshers attempted to burn a R.R. bridge; the Union men hearing of it sent out a squad to catch them. A little snow had just fallen, which enabled

they rode from Hannibal to Weston, Missouri, for twenty-four hours, chiefly in open [railroad] cars, without fire, lights, or warm food, and as a result over one hundred were in a few days on the list of the sick.”

Company B was left behind, however, to take care of the baggage. This was loaded onto the train in a driving snowstorm. To their great advantage, the company was then loaded onto a regular passenger train which took them to Weston, Missouri,

our boys to track the rascals to their quarters, when instead of taking them prisoners, they shot 12 of the 14 bridge burners as they would so many dogs, and the other two they hung.” His observation was, “Served them right.”

Open Railroad Cars similar to this one.

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The Twelfth did much hard and difficult marching as they headed to the southwest. Upon arriving at Ft. Riley, Kansas, in May, 1862, they camped and paused to wait for further orders.

Much of the activity of the 12th Infantry was recorded in the Baraboo Republic by an unknown author who identified himself as “One of the Boys,” and later as “M.”. He noted that the weather was fine, and that “The country is healthy, and looks delightful since the prairies have laid aside their old brown dress and put on their green. The health of the regiment is good. There are not more than five or six in the hospital, and none are dangerous.”

band, each bearing the banners of their respective states. The stirring sounds of the Star Spangled Banner filled the cool clear air. “It was a sight indeed fascinating and stirred up the warlike feelings of manly hearts, both soldiers and citizens,” he continued.

However, accompanying the patriotic feelings which were exhibited that day, there was a feeling of despair felt by many. Olney wrote, “Yet with the feeling of admiration, came also the feeling, that many a manly heart which then beat high with patriotic hope and pride, must ere long on the bloody field yield up his live, a sacrifice on his country’s altar. They were then but enacting the

Another letter home from Kansas was written

by M. Hildreth, who was with the 12th Infantry. He also remarked on the amount of marching they had done. He wrote to his friend, George Thayer back home in Wisconsin.

“I don’t know as I have got a great deal of news to write except Uncle Sam is bound to keep the 12th Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers on the march pretty much all the time,” he wrote. “We have just got to the end of another march of one hundred miles, put it all together and it makes nearly four hundred miles that I have walked since we left Wisconsin, what do you think of that, don’t you wish you was with us?”

Mr. Hildreth also bemoaned the fact that he didn’t think that the Union really needed more soldiers when he enlisted, “…any more than a hen needs a tooth pick.”

A letter to the State Journal dated the 26th of May, 1862, from Leavenworth, Kansas, from O.H. Olney, who wrote of a parade of review held by several of the regiments stationed there. He noted that it was, “…the grandest sight ever occurring in Kansas.” The Wisconsin 12th was also among those in the parade. “The 12th Regiment band struck up a lively air, and the review commenced,” noted Olney. Each regiment was led by its own

part which was only a preliminary to one which they must soon enact elsewhere.”

Olney continued his letter with these ominous words: “The sight, together with the rapid booming of the cannon, was fearfully suggestive of the dreadful calamity which treason has brought on our once happy and united country.”

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The March South Begins

been compelled to evacuate it. They left quite a number of heavy guns—some were dismounted, and some thrown into the river….Our men have remounted the guns and put others in position so that the rebels would receive warm reception if they should pay a visit.”

They continued their journey through Kentucky, again surprised at the ignorance of its citizens who were not aware of the advances the Union Armies had made. “There are very few men

The orders soon came that the 12th was to abandon the march west, and head for Columbus, Kentucky . They left Kansas, departing for, “Dixie, amid the booming of the eighteen pounders, the waving of caps, handkerchiefs, and flags, and the inspiring strains of our splendid 12th Regiment band,” recorded Olney. “They carried with them the prayers and blessings of the assembled multitude. Many a hand was warmly pressed which never will grasp again the hand of those with whom they have associated for many years. Many a pillow will be wet with tears tonight, for fathers and brothers, friends and lovers, they feel but too surely they have seen for the last time,” concluded Olney.

The “Marching 12th” was on the move again, and we next hear from them at Camp Albion, Tennessee. A correspondent using the initial, “W.” continues the story. “Every foot of our march since leaving Columbus, has been through very heavy timber, with but few clearings, and these occupied by a most ignorant people. One woman asked a soldier what state Wisconsin was in? Many had fled from their houses at our approach, and they were losers by it, I assure you.” They passed many ripe wheat fields being harvested with the use of primitive instruments, which, “…provoked extreme mirth among the boys. And as for a 2 horse reaper, you might as well have spoken of a flying reaper,” wrote “W.” As the 12th continued their march to the south, they “…were engaged for some months in repairing the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and scouring the country in search of bridge-burners and bushwhackers,” wrote Dwinnell. In the July 12, 1862, issue of the Republic, our correspondent wrote that Camp Columbus, “…was well fortified, and would have been a hard place to reduce had not the rebels

that have seen a newspaper for the last six months.

They know nothing of the victories for the last six months,” noted the correspondent. They were told that their leaders had taken Washington, New York, and other Northern cities. It was a ruse which encouraged the populous to continue contributing funds and manpower to the Southern cause.

“As we passed along the road the women would carry out their furniture, expecting to have their houses burned, but on learning our mission was to protect and not to destroy their property, they would rejoice at our coming. They said the rebels had robbed them, and they expected we had come to finish the work of destruction,” wrote the correspondent.

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George Inman Continues His Story

leaving Wisconsin.

They formed the reserve and were not in action, so they marched to Bolivar, Tennessee. They continued at that place till November 3rd, when they commenced their march to the South with the “Army of the Mississippi,” under General Grant.

On the 4th they reached La Grange, and on the 8th the 12th led the advance of a large force under command of Gen. McPherson, on a reconnoitering expedition, towards Holly Springs, near which a heavy rebel force was known to be encamped.

On November 27th, the 12th arrived at Holly Springs, MS, about five miles away, with the “… screaming of fifes, clanging of drums and murmur of ten thousand voices filling the air.” It seems

Merton Krug continues his interview with our 84 year old drummer boy: “George Inman can tell the story of the Civil War from some of its earliest campaigns to the very last. The spring of 1862 was spent in Missouri, Kansas, and Kentucky. During the summer he was employed as a skirmisher*, but that fall he was in actual battle, under some of the nation’s greatest generals.

On the 12th of October, 1862, he was with his regiment, when they went to take part in the battle of Hatchie. On the 3rd of November, he started with his company, as a drummer, on the march to the South with the Army of the Mississippi, under General Grant. He also served that same year under General McPherson whom he says was “…the best general in the whole Union Army at the time of his death.” He participated in the fall of Vicksburg, and in the Battle of Keneshaw [sic] Mountain. Of this last encounter he tells a very interesting story.

Holly Springs, Mississippi very likely that George Inman was undoubtedly responsible for one of those clanging drums!

Holly Springs had been the location of a rebel gun manufacturing plant, and it was noted that “quite a number of heavy guns were turned out there.” The correspondent reported that the town seemed deserted with the exception of “a few care-

The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain “The rebel Army was stationed high up on the mountainside, and the mountain was so straight up and down that they were unable to hit the Union troops close to the mountain below, in consequence of which fact the Rebels lighted the balls and rolled them down the side of the mountain.

Mr. Inman says that to prevent them from going off he and the others ran after them and pulled the fuses out. In this battle, Mr. Inman was wounded.

It was only a slight flesh wound, but for a time he was unconscious. When he regained consciousness he was on a stretcher, being rushed to the rear. He made inquiry as to whither he was being taken, and, upon being informed, sprang from the stretcher, and returned to the field of battle.” Such was his enthusiasm to remain with his company.

In November, 1862, the unit was in LaGrange, TN, and the correspondent noted that it was a very pretty town, where he saw the first pine tree since

warn (sic), haggard, ghostly countenances peering cautiously out from nearby closed curtains, as though they [at any] moment expected to hear the savage yells of ‘brutal Yankees,’ turned loose to pillage, murder and destroy.” *Skirmishers are a small group of soldiers sent out to act as front, side or rear guards, to determine the strength of the enemy, or to harass them, disrupt them, and delay a potential attack..

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Passing through the countryside on their continuing march, it was noted that the land appeared to have been long settled and nearly all cleared. “The soil appears to be good, but washed badly. I should think the inhabitants would sicken of rebellion; the prospect of subsistence another year is very slim, the war is turning the country into a desert,” wrote our correspondent.

He also noted that the health of the “boys” was good, with the exception of a few bad colds. He also lamented that, “The boys seem to be universally disappointed at not being able to pay their compliments to the rebels.”

One of the reasons the Wisconsin 12th earned the title of the “Marching 12th” is illustrated in this dispatch from “W”, who wrote about the southward advance of Grant’s army in general and the 12th in particular, from Waterford to Yockney Creek, Mississippi, “Now I am called upon to chronicle the retreat of the same back again to the aforesaid Waterford, having performed a similar military achievement to the king of olden time who—Marched his army up the hill. Then marched them down again.” This, from an old English children’s nursery rhyme.

Continuing with his letter, “W” writes, “As we have had no mail for a week or more, we do not feel very well posted as to what is going on, but we have as much news, however, unreliable as we can possibly digest. We hear of great victories at Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Richmond, &c., but have none of our own to speak about. Almost everyone seems to think that Grant has made a vast failure in his operations, and that he has been most completely outgeneraled.” And then he concluded his letter with, “Today we have buried a young man named Miller, of Co. K. One after another dies and is left in this miserable, Godforsaken land.”

missed, they gathered dried leaves and vegetable stems to place in their pipes. This fake tobacco was in great demand from those who had it, and prices were high.

They were again packing up to move on, during a rainy, muddy morning on January 8, 1863.

They were ordered to strike tents and load the wagons, “…until about 4 P.M., we had the pleasure of being baptized by sprinkling, pouring, and when some unlucky weight slipped down in the

rapidly accumulating slush, immersion; after which we were started and went our way rejoicing.”

With many the joy was short-lived, as it speedily became dark, and many were the plunges, falls, and even summersaults indulged in by the boys as they went ‘on their winding way’.”

Returning to Holly Springs in early January, 1863, they found the town in ruins. “Vengeance swift and terrible has been visited by the retreating

Through Mud, Rain and Snow, they Marched

[rebel] army on its inhabitants, who saw too late, the losing game they played.” Most of the public and private buildings had been burned, including a large hotel, the main business portion of the city, and numerous private homes. “The citizens have themselves to blame, and few expressions of regret were uttered,” noted the correspondent.

Our correspondent, known only as “W”, again writes from Moscow, Tennessee. He notes that Grant’s forward movement has ended in a “grand fizzle.”

More marching, and retreat. “After marching over sixty miles into the heart of the enemy’s country, driving the foe before us at every step until our repulse at Coffeeville, we have again retired to our starting point, leaving a ruined country, damaged railroad, and heaps of ashes where once stood costly buildings, to testify of the visits of the ‘Yankees’.”

One item the soldiers missed was coffee. Being the resourceful fellows they had become, “…the boys scorched corn, wheat, rye, beans, crackers and used it as a substitute, doing without tea altogether.” As a tobacco substitute, which they sorely 10

“About 7:30 p.m. we again started on our travels northward,” wrote the correspondent, “the town brilliantly illuminated meanwhile, while clouds of fiery smoke rolled across the heavens, casting a blinding glare on everything, the stars winking through the lurid haze at the retribution going on below.”

review of the troops by several commanding generals. It was noted that, “Well, the review passed off as reviews usually do, with great display of glittering steel, bright banners, soul stirring music, splendid marching, dust, [and] fatigue.” General Hurlbut was heard to comment “…that he would like to command 12,000 just such men as those….the largest, best, and most efficient regiment in the department.” He spoke, of course, of Wisconsin’s 12th Regiment.

From there the regiment marched on to Cold Water Creek, seven miles distant, arriving around 11 pm. “It was very dark, and the mud was fearfully deep, and tremendously sticky. Few tents were pitched that night, the tired boys preferring the cloud draped canopy of heaven for cover.”

On to La Fayette, 10 miles distant, only to be commanded to return to Cold Water Creek. It rained profusely that night. The next morning, the unit was given the order, “column forward.” They moved slowly through “mighty mud holes.” The writer soulfully complained, “Oh! How the pitying heavens shed tears over the disconsolate condition of the poor ‘slogger’ that day.” The next night the rain had turned to snow, which fell all the following day. “There was ice enough to make the roads very slippery, and torrents rushed down the hollows in some places so deep, as to entirely cover the wheels of the wagons, and to run over the saddles of the horses as they swam.” The men had to cross the stream on fallen trees, and some fell into the rushing waters. “January baths,” noted the writer, “under the pressing influence of a heavy knapsack, are extremely well calculated to take the poetry out of one ‘double quick’.”

By April, 1863, the 12th Regiment was camped near Memphis, Tennessee, and it was time for a

Since it was April, the boys in blue also did what every other Northerner was doing, they voted. “The privilege of voting, dear to every American heart, seemed like another link in the golden chain that binds our hearts to home and kindred,” wrote the correspondent to the Baraboo Republic, who identified himself as “Delona”. “For though many hundred miles of mountain and woodland, forest and river are between us, the same cause animates their hearts and ours alike.”

Government of our fathers, and The old flag with not a single star erased.

Soldiers voting during the Civil War.

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Nearing Vicksburg Mid May, saw the regiment on the “beautiful steamer, Continental,” traveling to Greenville, Mississippi. As they came upon a Union gunboat, its captain shouted over to them, “Keep your boats together, the Mississippi shore is full of Guerrillas.” Shots were fired, and several rebels were killed.

As they continued down the river towards Vicksburg, the correspondent for the State Journal described the peaceful journey, “Imagine a nasty piece of marsh, studded over with the trunks of dead trees, or packed close with cane brush and vines clambering over the swampy forest, nearly every tree of which is draped with the long bearded Spanish moss, as if in half mourning for the cursed rebellion.”

Magnolia Flower Nearing Vicksburg, the 12th reported that the rebels were leaving that place the first part of May, blowing up their magazine (ammunition bunker), spiking their guns, destroying carriages and retreating into Vicksburg. “Scarcely a day or night has passed since our arrival here, but we have heard heavy cannonading up the river. The sullen roar of ‘great guns’ is borne to the ear as I write.”

The rebels were surrounded but were “fain to give in.”

Dwinnell continues his account of the Wisconsin 12th Infantry. “As illustrating the nature and perils of a siege, the following incidents may be related. One night Captain Stevens received orders to advance his line of works [fortifications] to a distance of some rods towards that of the rebels, to a certain designated locust tree. Preparatory to doing it, he detailed ten men, among them James Miles, to form a skirmish line and proceed to the spot and feel for the enemy. Giving orders to another detail of twenty men to take their entrenching tools and prepare for an advance to dig a new line of rifle pits, he proceeded alone to reconnoiter.

The following morning they sighted the city of Vicksburg, and landed. “The Levee is covered with graves, that being the only comparatively dry spot to be found,” noted the writer.

The State Journal correspondent, augmented the description. “Among the graves on the levee, have been set tents…the soldiers were huddled and crowded upon the narrow limits of the levee, the dead crowding the living for room to rest in.”

In the afternoon, the troops marched three miles through a swamp and camped for the night. In the morning, they marched to Holland’s Plantation.

The writer noted that “The alligator swamps, where Bull-Frogs reside with voices soft, low and melodious as distant thunder. We had fun fishing for fresh water lobsters in a little creek nearby.

The writer, “W” expounded upon the beauty of the surrounding countryside. “Figs and pomegranates grow in abundance. The magnolias were in bloom when we first came here; there is a large grove about a mile away, the trees covered with large, pure white, deliciously fragrant blossoms are beautiful in the extreme. I saw some a full foot across.”

A soldier’s “works” or fortification.

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When within some twelve feet of the tree above named, he received an order to halt, which he at once obeyed, supposing at first, however, that it came from one of his own skirmishers. He soon discovered from the sound of their voices, his mistake, and knowing that if he allowed himself to be taken prisoner without any alarm, the details of men that were about to proceed to that spot, might one after another, suffer a similar fate, until his whole command would be ‘gobbled up,’ he resolved to retreat at double quick at all hazards, in doing which the rebels fired a volley upon him; but he escaped unharmed.”

The Fall of Vicksburg The fall of Vicksburg and the 12th’s part in it, is recounted by “W” in correspondence to the State Journal, in a letters dated, July, 1863.

The writer stated that as Union troops advanced upon Vicksburg, the citizens had killed cattle and thrown them into the Black River, to prevent the “our boys” from drinking it, and “then hidden themselves in the swamps.”

command for ordering the fatal charge.

The rebels evacuated eastward “at a tremendous rate.” The Union forces were so short of food and water, that it was not deemed advisable to pursue them. On the 24th, the division broke camp.

In October, 1863, having not moved from their last position, the State Journal correspondent writes that “Great numbers of Confederate deserters come into our lines, many of whom take the oath and go home, while within the past month two lots of prisoners have been sent up the river.”

When these “deserters” took the oath, they were often released after they swore an “oath of allegiance.” This oath stated that the person

would “faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the union of the States thereunder.” This “pardon” was part of Lincoln’s Ten Percent amnesty plan.

Also of interest was the fact that, “Quantities of whiskey have been confiscated by the efficient Provost Marshal here, and many fines paid for selling the forbidden article to soldiers, but still the sots find enough to get drunk with, in spite of every execration to prevent them.”

On the 8th, the 12th left camp and marched to Clinton. “The rebel soldiers and citizens were seen fleeing to the woods. A march of five miles from Clinton brought the boys within sight of the rebel works, and within sound of their cannon, which were busy enough.”

“Every day since our arrival we have heard the guns at Vicksburg shelling the rebel stronghold; and at night the echoes of the thundering 220 pound mortars,” noted the writer.

On July 11th, the men were detailed to guard the heavy trains of wagons. Rifle pits were dug along the front, and the next day General Lauman ordered a charge at the enemy’s works. “The enemy concentrated a tremendous fire of artillery and musketry upon the advancing column, and swept them down as a strong mower does the grass before his scythe,” noted the writer. The casualties were great, and General Lauman was relieved of 13

Still in Vicksburg in November, 1863, the State Journal writer indicates that they have no desire to remain there. “Reminiscences of severe sickness and death among our comrades are brought very vividly and painfully to our minds, while the nauseous, sweet taste of the filthy water, which we have to drink, awakens fears that a protracted use thereof may reproduce the scenes of misery we were compelled to endure during the siege,” he noted. He went on to say that over 300 men were sick and left in camp, they being unfit for duty. However, after leaving for Natchez, only

a few men were still in the hospital. “The fresh air and good water, with the vegetable market of Natchez wrought wonders among our sick men, and they naturally dread a relapse from the use of the foul draining’s of the filth-drenched soil and the impure air which sweeps over its surface, loaded with exhalations from dead quadrupeds, manure heaps and other nuisances, deposited during the siege, and which have not yet evaporated,” wrote the author.

Finally, the “Marching 12th” was again advancing. “We marched through the city in grand style—music playing and flag flying—down to the levee, where our regiment…was embarked on the Chotean [steamship]. About 1 o’clock we steamed away from the levee, amid the waving of handkerchiefs and caps, bearing with us the good wishes of the military, both white and colored, and also of a few citizens,” wrote the correspondent. “Doubtless the majority of the citizens wished…that the boat would sink and drown them all…It is the easiest way to get rid of the d---d Yankees.”

As the ship proceeded down the river, it was noted that, “A force of 1,200 cavalry with five guns were reported near, but as they did not meddle with us, we treated them with a severe letting alone.”

A dispatch from Natchez, Mississippi, in early December, 1863, reported that the men of the 12th Regiment were making preparations for a long stay. “Tents, of which we had been in great want for a long time, were issued, chimneys built, parade ground cleared, and everything put into good shape for living.”

Soon afterwards, they were ordered to move upon the rebels which had been ahead of them.

After traveling several miles in pursuit, it was determined that the prey had alluded them and the men returned to their camp.

The order was given to enter the houses and obtain items useful to the sustenance of the troops, but not to plunder anything. “Cattle, sheep and poultry were shot and prepared for eating before huge fires of rails. Butter, milk, eggs and honey were plentiful, and the boys ‘went in’ with a will,” wrote the State Journal correspondent.

The big day came on January 27, 1864, when George Inman was finally able to enlist in Wisconsin’s 12th Infantry, Company B of the Union Army as a private. His actual 18th birthday was several months later on May 28, however many exceptions were made at the time.

In June of 1864, “Dellona” recounted the move from Clinton to Acworth, Georgia. They had marched 323 miles, resting only three days during the trip. “We crossed three ranges of rough, rugged, rocky mountains, forded rivers waist deep, plodding through broiling sun and driving rain, through clouds of dust and seas of mud, marching at times till almost morning, when throwing our weary, aching bodies on the ground, would, seemingly be scarcely asleep before the discord of a score of reveilles would rouse us, but to repeat the toils and hardships of yesterday.” They were also short on rations, and most of the men were hungry.

"Gen. Sherman is the man, He makes the Rebels waltz, sir!

And leads his men through all the South, Just like a dose of salts, sir!"

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After more skirmishes the next day, they had gained 60 rods of enemy territory. “Though this is [a] hard, rough and dangerous life. Though the privations we endure, and the sacrifices we make are great, the thought of our homes, whose peaceful quiet we were recently permitted to enjoy for a brief month, makes all easy. Our veteran furlough forms an era in our history, and the martial for many an hour’s pleasant conversation around the bivouac fire.”

his duties as a drummer boy, in addition as a skirmisher and became part of the Ambulance Brigade during and after the battle. One of the duties of a drummer, was to assist with recovering the wounded, help the surgeons during their operations, and dispose of the severed members.

Dwinnell writes what happened when food was scarce and other means of securing rations were required.

Operations on wounded soldiers on the battlefield were common. Operating tables were constructed with available materials.

“General Sherman had directed that the troops should subsist from the country through which they passed. On the outward march, [George] Inman, James Miles, and one other man were detailed on a foraging expedition, to bring in subsistence. Passing down the railroad track, at a point where it diverged from the traveled road, over which the troops were marching, they were soon widely separated from any support from their companions in arms, and near the confines of a little town in which rebel troops were seen. Turning aside to a neighboring plantation, they confiscated a four mule team and wagon, loaded it with bacon and other supplies, and joined their command in safety. It was regarded by all, as a feat of great daring.”

Home on a 30 day furlough Correspondent “W” of the Wisconsin 12th Infantry, writes to the State Journal again in September, 1864, where we find them camped south of Atlanta. Atlanta and Jonesboro had fallen, and the writer expounded upon these glorious and successful victories. “The old 12th has ‘gone the rounds,’ and done its share toward bringing about the present pleasant state of things.”

The conquering heroes were given 30 days rest to get reorganized, refitted, refurbished and to “prepare to go on conquering and to conquer ‘until the last armed foe expires’.”

George Inman and the 12th Wisconsin Regiment, was in Atlanta in 1864, and were there through the entire Atlanta campaign. He continued

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Foraging for Food

George was a favorite of the soldiers in his company, and impressed the generals as well. He “had many personal discourses with [Generals] Grant and Sherman. Many times did they share their tents and grub [food] with the youngest drummer boy in the whole vast army,” wrote Krug, as recounted by Inman.

George Inman recalls his part in the incident mentioned, as Merton Krug hastens to write down every word. “George Inman [who was about 18 at the time of the event] states that at this time there was a great lack of food-stuffs and that quite frequently the men were sent on foraging expeditions,” wrote Krug. “In one particular instance he and another fellow were out alone having been given permission to do so, but instructed to return in a short time, by his commander. Night fell upon the headquarters; dawn came again; then another day passed; another night, and so on until four days had passed.

General Grant, above, and General Sherman, below

Then late in the afternoon, the two returned.

When word reached the Commander that the young foragers had returned he gave orders that they appear in audience, and decreed that they be court-martialed. Young George begged that they be allowed to explain and the Commander went to see the two lads and what they had foraged. He was greatly amazed when he saw four wagonloads of foraged foodstuffs and a retinue of 300 Negroes who had followed the two youths in from the country through which they had foraged.”

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George’s Hero is Killed

The March to the Sea Begins

On the 13th of March, 1864, the re-enlisted men went home on veteran furloughs of forty days.

One of George Inman’s heroes was General McPherson, and the fact that he was now at the site where the General was shot—on 22 July, 1864—really impressed the young soldier. He noted in the interview that it was still clear in his mind after almost 70 years.

George related: “The fighting on the 22nd began with a furious attack, with the Rebels in the offensive. General McPherson heard the firing, and riding through the woods discovered the cause, came suddenly upon a body of Rebels who ordered him to surrender; but he put his spurs to his horse and dashed into the forest.

But deadly aim of the rebels was to certain, and the General fell. In less than ten minutes after he fell the Union men reached the spot, among whom was George Inman, but already the rebels had taken their victim within their lines.”

The regiment left its camp on Little River, Alabama, at the end of October, 1864.

Sherman’s Army consisted of 60,000 infantry, 10,000 cavalry and a large amount of artillery.

During the march, the army, including the Wisconsin 12th Infantry, Company B, successfully destroyed the Georgia Central Railroad, including 320 miles of rebel railroads, burned the railroad ties, and heated the rails until they were twisted out of shape, destroyed depots, engine houses and water tanks—which provided water for the steam engines.

Twenty thousand bales of cotton were destroyed, and 25,000 rebel soldiers were captured at Savannah. Following the army’s trek from Savannah, were 10,000 Negroes who had escaped from the plantations of their former masters. They had remained in Savannah until the rebels evacuated the city, and took possession of their trenches.

Dwinnell wrote that, “The army subsisted from the country through which they marched, chiefly on hogs, sheep, turkeys, geese, chickens, rice and sweet potatoes, foraged mostly from the plantations.” The army also confiscated 4,000 mules and 5,000 horses.

On the 24th of November, 1864, the 12th Wisconsin Infantry, along with many other units, left Atlanta, and thus began Sherman’s Grand March to the Sea! “The call of the bugle, the tap of the drums, the stirring of such glorious songs as ‘Tramp, Tramp, Tramp’ and ‘Marching Through Georgia,’ how well does George Inman remember them till this day!” recorded Krug. “With his drum and taps, beside the fife, miles and miles did he march, leading his company in the greatest march in American History, Sherman’s March to the Sea.”

The average height for Union soldiers during the Civil War, was five feet five inches.

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By the 2nd of December, 1864, they camped at Millen, “after having torn up several miles more of railroad, destroyed Herndon Station and done a general foraging business all over the intervening country.” Crossing the Little Ogeechee river, they ran into some rebels whom they fought among the swamps and rice fields, “sometimes nearly to their waists in cold, dirty, muddy water.”

On December 13, 1864, they made their camp near Savannah. Shortly thereafter, the rebels left Savannah, and “our boys occupied it, much to their satisfaction,” stated the writer. The regiment was reviewed by General Sherman later that month.

The troops continued fighting their way across the south, meeting and subduing the rebels at all turns, reaching North Edisto, near Orangeburg on February 11, 1865. “Next morning the old 12th was ferried across the river in pontoon boats, about a mile below the town, formed a line of battle in a swamp on the other side, marched through it, where in many places it was up to the men’s armpits, for a quarter of a mile, then, having returned to the enemy’s works by this flank movement, the boys charged the rebels, sending them out of their works and the town in a terrible hurry, so that but few were captured.”

Hard-tack is a biscuit or cracker, made from flour, water and salt. It’s cheap and long lasting.

Sow-belly is salt pork from the belly of a hog.

On February 24, 1865, the troops arrived at Goldsboro “well clothed, fed and rested, anxious to begin another campaign, believing that it will be the last they will be called on to make before the rebellion will be squelched and its defenders subjugated,” wrote the correspondent. He closed his letter with these words: “We hear that Richmond has fallen at last into our hands, hope it is true, and that the last foot of Southern soil shall soon be covered by the genius of Peace, with happiness and liberty in place of war, misery and death, is the prayer of ‘W’.”

By May, 1865, the march was on—mile after mile, they slogged—“marching over hill and hollow for 5 ½ miles, reached the Boydtown & Petersburg plank road, 40 miles from the latter city.” The writer complained that, “This plank road is a wonderful humbug, nothing remaining of its pristine glory but a few defaced mile-posts and ruined tollgates. Occasionally we would find a fragmentary relic of the road peering out from the mud or sand, but as a general thing the planks, wherever there were any, were round pine poles or fence posts.”

Around noon, they broke for a three hour lunch, the weather being very hot, and “the men were much oppressed by the heat.” Another 22-mile march brought them to within thirty miles of Petersburg. There, they crossed a very high bridge over the Nottaway River.

The train at the depot began moving just as the 12th approached the fleeing rebels—some of whom were able to board it before it left. “Those who were unable to pile on to it [were] fleeing to the woods as fast as legs could carry them,” noted the writer. The rebel flag was soon removed from the court house, “Our regimental colors took its place, proudly floating in triumph over the captured city, to welcome the troops advancing from other directions to possess the prize.”

Rations were still scarce, the troops having only two ears of corn per day. General Sherman ordered new supplies to be sent forward, which soon arrived by boat. The troops sent them right back to, “the stupid fellow who had sent them!” The boat was loaded with oats. Soon, another boat arrived carrying hard-tack and sow-belly “to gladden the hearts and fill the stomachs of our brave heroes.”

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The writer noted that “Close by the river lived a family named Williamson, who have been loyal to the Union through all this long and bloody war, although it has cost them over one hundred thousand dollars to preserve themselves from the conscripting officer and the hangman’s hands. Our generals called there, our bands saluted them, while a Union flag draped in mourning, was streaming from their gate post. A sad welcome to our troops as they passed the abode of these longtired loyalists.”

Co. G of ‘ours,’ was seized with cramps, sunk and was drowned, his body not being recovered at all.”

Onward to Petersburg they marched. The writer was impressed with what he saw when they arrived. “Petersburg is a modern looking town, very full of people, its stores open, and quite a fair display of wares at their doors and windows. Near the depot several buildings had been struck by our shells, but the rebels had burned it, and a railroad bridge near by it, which spanned the Appomattox River; but in the body of the city but few marks of missiles could be seen. I noticed many rebel officers and soldiers on the streets, in their gaudy and be-tinseled uniforms, some dashing about on fine horses, followed by troops of green young Federal officers, like lackeys at the heels of their masters, till I was really ashamed to look at their abasement

On May 7, they passed by Dinwiddie Court House, and were beginning to see signs of the conflict that had preceded them. Previous to that, they saw few signs of war, but subsequently, the scenes changed. “No fences or forage could be found, buildings were burned, the drivers and sundry defunct horses were lying around stinking with all their might. [Confederate General] Sheridan had been south collecting up horses, watches and jewelry…while the Army of the James had been north of the Court House fighting and tearing up things generally.”

As they continued their journey to Petersburg, they encountered, “several trees badly shivered by shot and shell, and some specimens of hardware, more penetrating than pleasant, scattered near them.”

and toadyism. Pretty sight, indeed, to see half a dozen loyal officers traipsing at the heels of a whipped traitor, about the streets of a conquered city! Putting a uniform on a fool be he old or young, never made a Solomon, and never will.”

Upon camping for the night, the correspondent wrote that, “Several of our boys went down to a mill-dam nearby to bathe, when Ole Thompson of 19

THE HOMEWARD MARCH Sherman’s Boys on the “Sacred Soil.”

Camp 12th Wis. Inf’y Near Alexandria, Va., May 22, 1865 On May 9, 1865, the 12th was camped two miles from Richmond, Virginia, and the correspondent noted that they hoped to be, “homeward bound.” He also wrote that they were, “almost ready to continue our journey to Alexandria or Washington, as the case may be, preparatory to being disbanded and sent home.”

“We left our camp at Manchester, near Richmond, on the 12th [May] at sunrise, after a night of heavy rain, and found the roads covered with mud and water, through which we waded with supreme indifference, passing through the streets of Manchester, over the pontoon bridges which cross the James River, past Libby Prison and Castle Thunder, up the hill, and along a street skirting

Washington Statue in Richmond

Pontoon bridge across the James River the ‘burned district,’ where acres of once splendid buildings lay, covered with crumpling walls, or blackened ruins, past the Capitol and Washington’s magnificent equestrian statue—in respect to whom we marched at a ‘shoulder arms’—and then on, on, on, up one street and down another, past crowds of scowling faces, happy negroes, and flashy rebel uniforms, until we got clear of the city, and found ourselves marching along the Charlotteville turnpike en route to Washington.”

So wrote correspondent “W”.

He continues, “The colors were unfurled, and our field music played one tune as we passed in rear of the [Washington] statue, at ‘shoulder arms,’ and then the order was to ‘right shoulder shirt—arms,’ and we passed along, orderly and

silent, about our business, as if no such old fogy as Halleck had ever built a stand on another corner, for his lordship to review Sherman’s veterans from, or even had an existence.” It should be noted that General Halleck had requested that Sherman’s Army of the Tennessee—to which the 12th Wisconsin had been attached—seek his (Halleck’s) permission before entering the city, much to the chagrin of the officers and troops!

Another circumstance, which the correspondent deemed noteworthy, was: “A lady, from a huge bouquet, which she held in one hand, distributed flowers to our soldiers as they came along. I received a lovely rose from her fair hands, which I am preserving, as a proof that there is at least one loyal heart in Richmond.”

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Marching on for dozens of miles, the 12th Infantry finally reached Fredericksburg. Upon viewing the city and all its environment, the observation was of total destruction. “The city has been shattered and injured more than I have seen in the whole Confederacy, scarcely a house escaping, while whole blocks lay in ruins on every side.

The cannonading which has produced such terrific effects must itself have been fearful and almost indescribable.”

We had enough to talk about to make the four days from Goldsboro to Raleigh short, and almost before we realized it we came to the brow of a hill with the beautiful capital city of North Carolina three miles away in plain sight,” recalled Rood.

A Sign from Heaven

The 12th Infantry was in pursuit of Confederate General Johnston and his army, on April 13, 1865.

Johnston was just ahead of them, and they camped for the night. Rood continues his story: “In the morning it was raining hard. Nevertheless, with very little time to eat something of our wet rations, we were ordered into line and were soon on the march in the direction Johnston had taken. The rain just poured down and the slope up which we were marching was a broad sheet of running water. When we had climbed the slope we came upon a large open field. There we found several regiments standing in the rain. There we too were halted, and took our soaking as well as we could, wondering what it was all about.”

Suddenly there appeared in the sodden skies, a breach in the clouds and a brilliant patch of blue shown through. It was a good omen. The men of the 12th began to cheer, as did other nearby troops.

“We noticed that all the troops off at our left seemed half crazy with joy, all so delighted with seeing a little strip of clear blue sky. We soon found that there was some regularity about the cheering, as regiment after regiment would join in the great chorus,” recalled Rood.

The End is in Sight

Hosea W. Rood of Wisconsin’s 12th Infantry, Company E—mostly from the Lk. Delton area— recalled his experience as the Great War was coming to an end. Company B and George Inman’s fellow soldiers, would have also been among those who accompanied the other companies to this historic event which was about to transpire.

“General Lee’s army had been overtaken and most of them made prisoners. Again we celebrated, even though the news seemed too good to be true.

But all of our doubts were soon set aside when we began to meet many of his army on their way to their homes, and glad of it. They strung along by us singly and in groups. We could easily see then that the war was nearing its end.

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It was soon obvious that the cacophony was not due to the clearing of the skies, but it was due to something fantastically more wonderful.

Rood continues, “While we were wondering what it was all about, our Colonel Proudfit rode out into the open space near us and with his hand beckoned to us. We rushed up around him in eager expectation. When we had crowded ourselves as tightly as we could and became somewhat quiet, he said, ‘Boys, General Johnston has sent word to us the he would like to agree with General Sherman upon terms of surrender; so we’ve been halted here. It seems very likely now that our chase after General Johnson is at an end.’ No wonder that there was a rift in the clouds, and the sun shone through.”

whelmed with grief. My good bunk-mate, Eddy Coole, went by himself, sat down on his bunk, put his head between his hands and wept honest, manly tears of sorrow. It was a mournful time for all of us,” recalled Rood.

And so, the men who had fought so gallantly, and with great loss of life, mourned the loss of their great leader. “Indeed, there was no one, friend or foe, if possessing the common instincts of humanity, did not truly mourn the cruel death of our beloved Abraham Lincoln,” concluded Rood.

On May 19, 1865, the 12th regiment camped near Alexandria. “None can tell how glad the boys will be to see their homes and retire to the bosom of their families, once more to enjoy the pleasures of civil society and the luxury of exercising the rights and privileges of citizenship and individual self-control, but those who like them, have spent years of absence in trial and danger, prosecuting some cherished and holy purpose unto its tardy and distant end,” wrote correspondent “W” in a letter to the State Journal.

Concluding his letter, he wrote, “May they never be called away again from home and its ties, on such an errand, but peace and prosperity attend them at every turn, that they may go down to their graves, beloved and revered as defenders of the faith once delivered to the Fathers, and then receive a soldier’s reward from the great Captain above.”

The two generals would meet on April 17, 1865, to sign the truce agreement. Rood noted that, “The time for which we had long prayed and hoped for seemed close at hand, and we were too happy for the full expression of our joy. We had shouted and hurrahed at the first, but we could not keep that up all the time; so we settled down to quiet enjoyment of the glad prospect before us. Yet we could not then know all that was shortly to come to pass.”

Lincoln Assassinated!

Accompanying the joy in the knowledge that the war would soon be over, and the boys would be heading home, came the devastating news from Washington. Rood continues, “Alas! There seems to be no great joy wholly free from sadness. A great grief that suddenly came upon us just as we were rejoicing in those closing days of the Great War made mourners of all of us. Our good President Lincoln, whose name and noble character we soldier boys had come to love and reverence was, upon that very day when we stood rejoicing in the cheering the rift in the cloud and listening to the good news our Colonel Proudfit told us, shot by an assassin and died the next morning.

“I cannot now give expression to the sadness that came upon us the day after when our comrade Maurice McCauley, having been up town at Raleigh, came to the company saying, “Boys, bad news has just come from Washington, too sad and terrible, it seems to me, to be true—President Lincoln has been shot and is dead!” Maurice was over22

The Grand Review of the Troops in Washington, D.C. Through the eyes of George Inman The mood in the country was one of elation because the hostilities were at an end, but there was also a lingering sadness that they had lost their beloved President Lincoln, several months previous. To help lift the spirits of the populace, President Andrew Johnson organized a review of the Union soldiers to be held in Washington. It would also commemorate the sacrifices which so many had made, and to honor those who had survived the horrific conflict.

The two-day celebration commenced on the 23rd of May, 1865, and included the three great Union armies: General Meade’s Army of the Potomac, General Sherman’s Army of the Tennessee, and the Army of Georgia. Nearly 145,000 men in uniform paraded before the citizens of the capital, the president, and the leaders of the reunited states of America. It was noted that they “…marched through the streets of Washington before weeping and cheering throngs of onlookers.”

“Then came the Grand Review in the city of Washington in May of 1865,” wrote Krug in his interview with George Inman. “The Review: it is fresh still in George Inman’s mind today. A parade from morning till night, tens of thousands marching on the streets. There had been a band stand erected at a good point of advantage, where a large number of musicians were assembled, among whom was a lad of scarce 19, who had entered the conflict in ’61 at the age of 15 and who now sat in the band stand, playing his drum for the endless train of humanity that filed by on that day of the Grand Review.” That drummer of course, was George Inman.

George still recalled the face of President Andrew Johnson over seventy years later, who had succeeded President Lincoln after his death only a few months before.

After the Grand Review, George Inman left with his company for Louisville, Kentucky, where he and his company B, mustered out July 16. They proceeded to Madison and on August 9, 1865, and headed for home.

The Chicago Tribune wrote, “The 12th Wisconsin infantry regiment arrived at the Soldiers Rest [Chicago] last evening, partook of supper, were furnished with quarters for the night and breakfast this morning and have gone on to Madison, Wis., to be discharged from the services.”

In conclusion, Krug wrote, “Mr. Inman finished his story with a feeling of gladness, for the joy of living those days that, when being lived, had not been quite so joyous, was a pleasure he had not had in years. He is very proud of his record (of which he has a right to be) and has never regretted having entered the army against the will of his parents.”

Along with George Inman, his father, John, also returned home safely.

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The Grand Review In Washington, D.C. As experienced by Hosea W. Rood 12th Wisconsin, Company E After General Lee’s surrender, and after General Sherman had taken Richmond, Hosea Rood recounts the experiences of his Company E unit’s march to Washington for the Grand Review. This would have also included Wisconsin’s Company B, George Inman’s regiment.

He begins his account on May 12, 1865. “We took up our line of march from that city [Richmond], which had been the capital of the Confederacy, over the great battlefields of the past four years, almost every foot of the way testifying to the ravages of war.” The next day they headed towards Washington, passing the carnage which was the result of the recent war. “Some of us wandered about on the heights [Arlington Heights], getting a fine view of the city across the valley of the Potomac. I can never forget how delightfully surprised I was as I strolled over those hills, when, upon looking up my eyes were greeted by one of the loveliest views they ever locked upon,” wrote Rood. “Below me and toward the right the noble river flowed along the broad valley widening as it approached Chesapeake Bay. Across the river at the left, spread out over the foot of the hills of Maryland, lay the capitol city of our nation bright in the morning sun and glorious. The crowning feature of all this was the capitol dome rising in noble grandeur as the center of the scene beautiful.”

Rood went on to write about the events that transpired on May 23, 1865, in that great capital city.

“This Grand Review, as a fit closing scene of the great war just ended, was indeed a great event. On the

23rd of May, all of the army of the Potomac that could be got together at Washington, marched in review down Pennsylvania Avenue and past the White House in front of which had been erected a reviewing stand. There upon a balcony sat President Andrew Johnson and the great generals of the war looking down upon the battle-scared veterans of the Potomac army as they marched by proud in the fact that their work was done—well done—and that what they had done had brought victory and peace, and that fighting was at an end. All day long they passed in one solid street full of orderly, well-disciplined soldiery. We have been glad to look upon that notable pageant.”

The next day, the Marching Wisconsin 12th Infantry, had its day in the sun, as they marched before the president and other dignitaries in the reviewing stand.

Hosea Rood was among those marching, and describes that momentous event: “When Old Sol looked over the Maryland hills on the morning of the 24th he found us busy trying to brush up and appear half as clean as our Potomac comrades had looked on their march [the day before].”

Additional information on the Grand March in Washington, noted that there were 150,000 soldiers marching that day, including 60,000 from the 178 regiments of William T. Sherman’s Army of the West.

Included in Sherman’s Army, was of course, George Inman.

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The Grand Review by D. Reid Ross The following description and information of the Grand Review is taken from an article originally published in the May 2015 issue of America’s Civil War, by D. Reid Ross, who obtained his information from letters and other documents written by those who were present at the Review.

“Nobody in Sherman’s army slept the night before its parade began,” wrote Ross. The 12th Wisconsin, including George Inman’s Company B, would have been part of this group. “The last two days had been spent furiously preparing for their review. They knew that the uniforms of the ‘Easterners’ from Meade’s army would far outshine theirs. The pants, shirts and jackets of the ‘Potomacs’ were newer, and they wore shiny shoes and buttons, paper collars and white gloves. In contrast, the Westerners were mostly a ragtag mob of unkempt ruffians. Some had floppy caps of wool or straw that looked like empty flour sacks, while others wore black slouch hats like Sherman’s. Still others were bareheaded and barefooted,” wrote Ross.

He continued his description. “These bronzed veterans, the most superb material ever molded into military might, marched in a glorious two-day military pageant through the nation’s capital. At least 250,000 men, women and children cheered themselves hoarse while shedding tears of admiration and joy, showering the men with thousands of flowers, singing, laughing and waving for more than six hours each day. The men marched better than ever.

Every soldier became an instant celebrity; the whole country claimed them as its heroes.”

As with any gathering of large crowds, there were bound to be logistical problems; and this accumulation of soldiers and visitors was no exception. With 150,000 soldiers and 25,000 horses, providing food, shelter, water, sanitary facilities, and the disposal of manure, proved daunting.

Hotels had to turn away thousands, so many slept where they could, others partied all night. Saloons were closed to prevent brawls between the soldiers and civilians, however, numerous ways to obtain a drink were provided by enterprising entrepreneurs.

For those with milder tastes, street corner venders provided purple lemonade. The police were too busy rounding up pickpockets, prostitutes, thieves, muggers and other breakers of the law, to bother with enforcing the liquor probation.

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Ross continues: “By daybreak on the first day, crowds lined Pennsylvania Avenue. Buildings along the parade route were bedecked with American flags; red, white and blue bunting; and floral displays and black crepe ribbons to reflect mourning for President Abraham Lincoln. For the first time since his assassination, flags were raised to full staff, signifying the end of the official mourning period. Welcome signs and banners hung from buildings and across street intersections. ‘THE ONLY NATIONAL DEBT WE CAN NEVER PAY IS THE DEBT WE OWE TO THE VICTORIOUS UNION SOLDIERS’ read a banner on the Treasury Building. Over its entrance hung the torn battle flag of the Treasury Guard Regiment. Arches of flowers and evergreen boughs bridged Pennsylvania Avenue. Another banner over the avenue read, ‘ALL HAIL OUR WESTERN HEROES’.”

The Reviewing Stand in front of the White House The reviewing stand, located on the White House lawn, where the president and other dignitaries were seated, was at the end of the 1 ½-mile parade. It took 6 hours for all the soldiers to pass by. “Facing [Pennsylvania] avenue were long rows of elevated, terraced seats reserved for special guests. In the center of these seats was a separate, elevated section for the covered presidential reviewing stand. It was handsomely decorated with national colors, flags and banners bearing names of the armies’ famous battles,” wrote Ross. It is uncertain if the band stand upon which George Inman played his drum for the processional, was located in this same reviewing stand, or in another somewhere along the route. No mention of a separate bandstand for musicians has been found.

“Government clerks sat on the Treasury Building roof. Boys perched in trees and on lampposts waved handkerchiefs and flags. By the parade’s start, the crowd lined the street 8 to 12 feet deep, waving miniature flags and shouting, “Sherman, Sherman!” Those with curb tickets were allowed to pass through the line of guards holding back the rest of the crowd. The troops marched under blue skies with light, white clouds, moderate temperatures and a cool breeze,” noted Ross.

At exactly 9 a.m. the second day, an artillery piece was fired, church bells were rung and the parade began. Sherman’s 60,000 men, “accompanied by 14 artillery batteries, uncoiled from around the Capitol like a gigantic 15-mile-long python. At the front of each company were its tallest men, with veterans as left and right guides for each company.”

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Sherman led the parade, and when he reached the reviewing stand, he saluted with his sword, “as the band played the popular new song ‘Marching Through Georgia’ in his honor. Everyone in the presidential stand acknowledged his salute by taking off their hats, rising to their feet and cheering. He then dismounted and entered the stand,” described Ross.

It should be noted here, that the mention of the band playing at that time, could indicate that it— and George Inman—was located in the presidential reviewing stand.

Sherman decided to present his army as they had appeared marching through Georgia and the Carolinas, wearing the same dusty and tattered uniforms in which they had fought so gallantly. Some were barefoot, others wore the well-trodden, muddy shoes which had carried them to this point in time. Having been offered new uniforms, most men refused to wear them, “The old uniforms were good enough.”

As they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue, Sherman’s troops were followed by half a dozen ambulances, with their stretchers still spotted with blood. “Interspersed between each division marched Sherman’s African American pioneer battalions, striding in perfect cadence and holding their axes and spades in place of rifles, their own weapons of war instrumental in defeating the Confederacy,” noted one observer.

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“Apprehension finally overcame Sherman as the column of troops turned right to pass the Treasury Building. He glanced once over his shoulder to see how well his men were aligned, noting how the ‘glittering muskets [with fixed bayonets] looked like a solid mass of polished steel swinging with the regularity of a pendulum.’ His eyes were wet. The sight, he said, was the most satisfying moment of his life.

They were his war-torn warriors, at their best fighting weight and strength,” wrote Ross.

As Sherman passed the reviewing stand on his horse, he held his sword high in a salute to the president. Then dismounting, he joined the other dignitaries in the stand.

It took Sherman’s Army more than six hours to pass before the reviewing stand. “None seemed weary of gazing at the troops. Sherman stood for the entire review. Then nineteen year old George Inman who had been playing his drum throughout the review, must have felt a special pride when his 12th Wisconsin Infantry, Company B passed by. Spectators who had been glued to the spectacle lingered after it was over. Sherman, with his wife and son, did not leave until 4:30 p.m., after the last of the pack mules and their riders were out of sight. Then the street and fire departments took on the task of cleaning up the aromatic manure from thousands of horses,” concluded Ross.

As General Sherman bid his troops farewell for the last time, he said, “As in war, you have been good soldiers, so in peace, you will be good citizens.” The Grand Review was over; the strife between the Union and the Confederacy was over; and the reunited States were once again at peace.

The Marching 12th lived up to its name. During the Civil War, it was claimed that the regiment marched 3,838 miles; traveled by rail 2,506 miles and by steamboat 3,159 miles. This makes for a grand total of 8,503 miles traveled. That’s more than a third of the way around the world!

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A New Life for George Inman Begins After the war, George Inman became a citizen of the U.S. in 1867.

He met Mary Ann Pearson from LaValle, and they were married in November 1868. Mary Pearson was born in 1850 near Ironton, Wisconsin, the first white child born in LaValle Township. Her obituary noted the interesting fact that, “When quite small she was carried away by Indians who dropped her when pursued.”

They settled on a farm near Ironton, Wisconsin, and were the parents of seven children. In 1870, they were found living in Wonewoc, Juneau County, Wisconsin, where he was a miller. Ten years later they were located in Rush Lake, Palo Alto, Iowa, where he was also listed as a miller. In the 1885 Iowa state census, his occupation was again, listed as a miller. By1888, he had moved to Chicago, Illinois. In 1900, they were living in Cook County, Illinois, Ward 33. George also served as an engineer for the Chicago Pumping Station.

By 1905, we find them back on the farm in LaValle, Wisconsin. The 1910 and 1930 census lists him as a farmer in LaValle Township, where they lived until George’s death in 1932. His wife, Mary, followed him in death a week later. They are both buried in Resting Green Cemetery, Ironton Township. They did take a trip back to England during the early 1900s, where George was born. George was the last survivor of the Civil War in the LaValle area.

George was a member of the Masonic order, and a 33 degree Mason.

George and Mary Ann have relatives living all over the world., including Australia and Italy.

Mary Ann (Pierson) Inman & George Metcalf Inman

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A Drummer Boy—The Heartbeat of the Army During the Civil War, drummers and buglers were allowed to enlist in the army without meeting the 18 -year-old minimum age requirement for a combat soldier. Some estimates noted that 100,000 boys younger than 15 enlisted in the Union Army as musicians. Some 300 were even younger than 13.

It was the duty of the musicians to signal the soldiers when to eat, when to sleep and when to awaken.

They also set the pace during marches. During a battle, they sounded out to let the soldiers know when to shoot and when to retreat, using their instruments. In the heat of battle, officers shouting orders could not be heard over the din, so the musicians’ louder bugles and drums were used as signal devices. These young men were often called the heartbeat of the army, because their efforts were vital to maintaining order in the camp and on the battlefield.

Drummers were required to know almost 100 different drum calls. There were formal schools in New York and Kentucky, where students were taught to learn the beat. However, most learned on the job.

There were texts, such as Bruce and Emmett’s The Drummers’ and Fifers’ Guide, which contained many of the scores which military musicians could use in their everyday duties.

Civil War drums for the Union were primarily products of factories in New York, Boston and Philadelphia. Over 32,000 regulation drums were manufactured from 1861 to 1865. The government had no standards in those days, however most snare drums were 15” to 16” in diameter and 10” to 12” deep. The body of the drum was made from ash, white holly or maple wood. The drums were strengthened with reinforcement rings at the top and bottom. These rings were attached with decorative nails which formed unique patterns such as circles, triangles, lines and diamonds. The drum heads were usually made of sheepskin or calfskin, and were tensioned using rope or rawhide strung through holes in the hide.

One of the most exciting drum calls was the “long roll,” which signaled the troops to attack. One drummer would begin a beat-beat-beat, and the cadence would be taken up by other drummers down the line, and they would beat-beat-beat, passing on the orders until all were advancing onward upon the enemy.

The overwhelming thunder of drums, the shrill call of the fifers, the roaring of cannon and cascading bark of rifles, all added to the confusion and tension of battle.

When the drummer boys weren’t required for sounding calls, these young musicians were also required to help remove the wounded from the battlefield, and act as runners or couriers between outposts. They could be required to assist a surgeon in a field hospital—holding down a soldier who was having a limb amputated, and then disposing of the severed member. Other duties included assisting cooks, barbers, dentists and grave diggers.

They were not, however, allowed to carry guns. Instead, they were issued a thin sword, which they wore proudly around their waist. There were occasions, however, when they could pick up a rifle to save their own life, or that of a fellow soldier.

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All was not doom and gloom for these young boys, they would often join with musicians from other companies to entertain the troops. They performed patriotic songs and favorites to help boost the morale of the soldiers.

Like many other boys—and also the soldiers—in spite of their grueling schedules, they also found time for fun. There would be games of dominoes, checkers, cards, and even cockroach races! Foot races, wrestling, boxing and baseball, were also enjoyed by the troops. Of course, writing letters home was a pastime most participated in, along with singing, telling stories and reading.

Although we have not located any letters home from young George Inman, a 16-yearold drummer boy, Henry Lawson Bert, from the 47th Indiana Regiment, probably spoke for many of these young men, in letters to his parents. Life was not easy for these boys, who were required to perform the chores mentioned previously. His letters spoke of “walking endlessly in the forest to unknown places, obeying orders that he did not really understand and getting along with his mates.”

Sometimes life was boring around the camps, especially during the long winter months when little combat was pursued. Dealing with other people was a challenge when the troops had little to do except pick fights with their comrades, when personal items went missing. The lack of proper food, delay of paychecks and slow arrival of mail from home, also weighed heavily upon the minds of the men and boys.

Often times, bonds between the soldiers and the young drummer boys would last a lifetime, due to the closeness of quarters, and the endurance of the horror of battle, which was a common experience they all shared.

One writer noted that many units were reluctant to recruit boys of such young age, due to the difficult duty and the heavy drums which the small boys often had to carry over long distances. “A young kid who had so much patriotism and desire to serve that he might have run away from home or might have been an orphan and attached himself to a unit, wanting to be a soldier so bad and this was probably the only way he could do that,” noted the writer.

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12th Wisconsin Infantry Reunions TWELFTH REUNION Large Delegation Attends – ANNUAL EVENT Old Soldiers Get Together Renew Acquaintances and Relate War Stories Reedsburg Free Press – September 13, 1917 Twenty-four Civil War veterans came together in Reedsburg for the 12th reunion of their organization.

They met in the Geffert building on Main St. A supper was served by the wives of the local Relief Corps in the basement of the Methodist church. Col. W.A. Wyse addressed the group. In his speech he said that, “Patriotism, especially in the days of ’61 when nearly everyone enlisted and did not try to be exempted.”

When asked why they enlisted, it brought forth answers similar to the reasons men enlisted is subsequent wars. “Of course they were just boys, many of them, not over sixteen, all the other fellows were doing it and he didn’t want to be reckoned a slacker, then there was the opportunity to see a new part of the country and have a good time with the other boys,” noted the reporter. Among those attending the reunion was George Inman from LaValle.

Another reunion of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry was held on July 22, of 1921, in Madison. The date of July 22 was chosen in remembrance of the “…great battle of Atlanta fought on July 21 and July 22 during the summer of 1864.” The reunions had been held on that date since about 1896, with a few exceptions.

A camp fire meeting (figuratively) was held in Memorial hall in the capital. John A. Hazelwood spoke, and addressed those present.

“Wisconsin has an enviable war history. No state in the union ranks ahead of the Badger state in volunteers for army service in wartime. Courage, heroism, and sacrifice in the battle field have characterized their service,” said Mr. Hazelwood. “Wisconsin’s regiments in the Civil War stand in the foreground as bodies of men noted for their heroism in battle, and for an undying devotion to flag and country,” he concluded.

In July, 1922, another annual reunion of the men of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry was held at Camp Randall, Madison—from whence they went off to war so many years ago. The Capital Times noted the event in an article at the time.

“The white-haired and bent old men, who 61 years ago rode stalwart and erect on battle-tuned horses behind General Sherman to the sea, will assemble in the little grove where three score and one years ago they began their soldiering.”

They were guests for supper of the Monona Ave. G.A.R., and afterwards they gathered “…about a campfire at the Memorial hall in the capital…to rehearse the stories which had their beginnings back when these old soldiers were young men in training camps.” Also noted in the article was attendee, George Inman of LaValle, who would have been 75 at the time.

Seven Color Bearers were shot carrying this flag during the battle of Atlanta.

Battle flag of Wisconsin’s 12th Infantry.

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Tuscania Memorial located in lower Ochsner Park, Baraboo, WI, 2018

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George Inman through the years

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I would like to thank the following individuals, publications and organizations for information and materials which were provided for this chronicle.

Henry D. Sims and Rachel, nee Inman, of Albertville, AL, who provided the photograph of George Inman.

Mary Cassidy, of Italy, and Lea Harvey, of Australia, both Inman ancestors, who provided genealogical information on their family histories.

The Baraboo Republic, Reedsburg Times, Reedsburg Free Press, Wisconsin Journal, Chicago Tribune, History of Reedsburg and the Upper Baraboo Valley, by Merton Edwin Krug, 1928 Harper’s Weekly magazine The Wisconsin Historical Society, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Joyce Ann Niesen, Inman photo Proof Reader, Linda Levenhagen Sauk County Historical Society Copyright William Schuette

Sibley Tent—the primary mode of shelter for soldiers on the march.

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