Steward, Henry C. Mattison.

Co. "A": Captain, James R. Hayden ; First Lieu-
tenant, Clifton T. Wharton ; Second Lieutenant, Thomas
M. Beatty. Co. "B": Captain, Alexander Murchison ;
First Lieutenant, William Jackson ; Second Lieutenant,
John T. Thornton. Co." "C": Second Lieutenant,
Cyrus E. Keith. Co. "D": Captain, William A. Cal-



houn ; First Lieutenant, Oliver E. Fames. Co. "E":
Captain, David F. Bremner ; First Lieutenant, John
Young ; Second Lieutenant, James W Raffen. Co.
" F ": Captain, James G. Campbell ; First Lieutenant,
Samuel L. Hamilton. Co. "H": First Lieutenant.
John Dedrick. Co. "I": Captain, John Longhorn ;
First Lieutenant, William Quinton ; Second Lieutenant,
Dickinson B. Moorehouse. Co. "K": Captain, Pres-
ly N. Guthrie ; First Lieutenant, Cornelius B. Lam-
berson ; Second Lieutenant, B. Bradford Bell.

Colonel Joseph R. Scott was elected colonel of the 19th
Illinois Infantry, at the organization of the regiment, at Springfield,
in May, 1861. Resigning in favor of Colonel John B. Turchin,
he was elected lieutenant-colonel, and served in that position until
Colonel Turchin's promotion to brigadier-general, July 17, 1862,
when he was promoted colonel of the regiment, and commanded it
until he received a fatal wound at the battle of Murfreesboro',
January 2, 1863. He was born in Canada, but became a resident
of Chicago while yet a youth. Through his own exertions and
resolute perseverance, he acquired a more than ordinarily good edu-
cation, with little aid from teachers or school. From his youth, he de-
veloped a peculiar fondness and capacity for military studies, which
he brought into practical use, in Chicago, by organizing, in 1856 —
at which time he was a young clerk of about twenty years — a
company of young men called the National Cadets. Two years
latter, this company was reorganized, by Colonel E. E. Ellsworth,
as the United States Zouave Cadets, of which Ellsworth was the
first commander and Scott the first lieutenant. When the Zouave
Companies were reorganized in the spring of 1S61, at the breaking
out of the war, Scott was one of the first to offer his services to
the Government, and at the formation of the Zouave regiment in
Chicago, he was elected its commander. He accompanied the
troops that composed General Swift's Cairo expedition, and with a
company of his Zouaves, boarded two rebel steamers at that place,
and seized a large quantity of arms and munitions of war. He led
the 19th, as its colonel, in the advance on Bowling Green; the ex-
pedition under General Mitchell when, as a part of Turchin's
brigade, it was the first to enter Huntsville, Decatur and Tuscum-
bia; in the expedition under General Negley to Chattanooga; par-
ticipated in all the marches and hardships of the regiment during
the summer and fall of 1S62; and finally led it through the bloody
battle of Murfreesboro', and across Stone River on the 2d of
January, 1863, to victory, but also to his death.

ELLSWORTH'S CHICAGO ZOUAVES.

United States Zouave Cadets was also the name
of this organization, the germ of which was a company
of young men, organized in Chicago, March 19, 1856, by
Joseph R. Scott, and called the National Guard Cadets.*
The original officers were : Captain, Joseph R. Scott ;
First Lieutenant, W. W. Lawton; Second Lieutenant,
W. B. Smith ; Third Lieutenant and Ensign, N. G.
Vail. For some time this company had the reputation of
beingthebest in the State; which is saying but very little,
when it is considered to what perfection it attained,
under the masterly command of Colonel Ellsworth.
By the spring of 1859, however, the crude discipline
maintained among the National Guard Cadets had so
relaxed, that the organization was threatened with dis-
solution, having only about twenty members. Their
uniforms were shabby, the company was deeply in debt,
and in a demoralized condition generally. On the 27th
of April, 1859, this relic of the National Guard Cadets
was reorganized by Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth, Assis-
tant Paymaster-General of Illinois. He was then a
young man, scarcely twenty-two years of age, full of
military ardor and tenacity of purpose — brave, dashing,
handsome and able. As is known to all Americans, he
afterward became a National character, being the first
commissioned officer of the United States to fall in de-
fense of his country in the late war.

The debts of the old company were assumed; strin-
gent rules were created, prohibiting members from

* The principal facts embodied in this sketch are taken from an address
delivered by Colonel E. B. Knox, at a re-union of the Cadets.



HISTORY OF CHICAGO.



entering drinking saloons or disreputable places while
in uniform, under penalty of expulsion. A new uniform
was adopted : consisting of light blue pants with buff
stripe, dark blue frock coat with buff trimmings, cap of
dark blue with red, white and blue pompon, and white
cross-belts. A knapsack, with red blanket neatly rolled
and strapped on top, completed the outfit of the " in-
fantry uniform." The name of the company was
changed to the " Cadets of the 6oth Regiment." The
armory was exchanged for more commodious quarters
in Garrett Block, where Central Music Hall now stands.
Three drills a week were instituted, and that earnest
and persistent discipline commenced, which made
the company the model Zouave organization of the
United States, and one of the finest in the world. In
less than a month, over fifty recruits were added to the
membership. On the following 4th of July, after parad-
ing the streets, they gave an exhibition drill on Lake
Street, in front of the Tremont House. This was the
first introduction to a Chicago public of the Zouave
drill, or, more properly speaking, the bayonet exercise
movements in " double time," and the skirmish drill.
The exhibition made a decided sensation and stirred
the enthusiasm of the company to such a high pitch that
they voted to change the name to the " United States
Zouave Cadets," and adopt a new uniform. This con-
sisted of a bright red chasseur cap with gold braid;
light blue shirt with moire antique facings ; dark blue
jacket with orange and red trimmings ; brass bell but-
tons, placed as close together as it was possible to put
them, and within an inch of the border on both sides
and around the neck; a red sash and loose red trousers;
russet leather leggings, buttoned over the trousers,
reaching from ankle half-way to knee; and white waist
belt. The jacket did not button, was cut low in the
neck, without collar. Easy fitting, high-laced shoes,
with thick, broad soles were worn, all made after the
same pattern.

The National Agricultural Association, which held
its annual fair in Chicago, in September of that year,
offered a prize of a beautiful stand of colors to the best
drilled company in the country. Drills were resumed,
notwithstanding the warm weather; and on the day
fixed for the contest (September 15), the Zouaves en-
tered the lists with sixty men, going through about the
same evolutions as on the 4th of July previously, and
were awarded the prize, as the "Champions of the
United States." But one other contesting company,
the " Highland Guards of Chicago," appeared on the
ground, owing to the'hort notice given, and to its being
the season of the year when drills were generally sus-
pended. The honor, thus so easily won, was a ques-
tionable one, and therefore, five days later, a challenge
was issued to any company of the militia or regular
army of the United States or Canada — the company
agreeing to pay the expenses of any successful com-
petitor who should wish to make the contest in Chicago
and also to make a tour of the United States in order
to give other companies a chance to contest for the
stand of colors. On the 10th of October, the Zouaves
participated in the opening of the Chicago & North-
1 Railway, as guests of the company. At Fond
do I. a- , by -\>'< lal request they gave an exhibition drill.
On the return train, the Zouaves were presented with a

■ • composed of over three hundred pieces of rib-
bon, clipped from the hats ol tin lady excursionists, as
a memento of the 'rip. It was afterward mounted on
a silver pedestal and occupied a conspicuous place in
the Armory. A '-return excursion" by the people of

nsin was undertaken, and extensive arrangements



were made by the citizens and Zouaves for their re-
ception and entertainment in Chicago ; but all these
plans were frustrated by a terrible accident which
happened to the excursion train when near Watertown,
Wis., in which eleven persons were killed and twenty-
eight wounded. Of course, all thoughts of continuing
the excursion were abandoned.

During the next three months the company added a
gymnasium to the other attractions of the armory, and
which occupied the north end of their commodious drill
hall. By January, i860, they had so increased in
efficiency and strength, that Governor William H. Bissell
appointed them the " Governor's Guard of Illinois "; and,
sad to say, on the 14th of the following March they
were called to Springfield and assigned the " post of
honor" at his funeral. About this time (January, i860),
the Zouaves adopted the "Golden Resolutions," as they
were called by a Chicago paper, which added so much
to their fame throughout the country. They bound the
members, upon pain of expulsion, and publication of
offense and offender's name, to keep away from gam-
bling, drinking or billiard saloons and nouses of ill-
fame. Under the earnestness and firmness of Colonel
Ellsworth, all opposition to the rules melted away, and
each member promised to maintain them, and the
United States Zouave Cadets soon became known from
Maine to Georgia as a company of strictly disciplined,
bright, hardy, temperate and moral gentlemen.

On February 2, i860, active preparations for the
contemplated summer tour of the United States com-
menced. So enthusiastic were the young men that they
resolved to sacrifice all evening calls upon friends, all
parties, visits to the theatre, etc., until June 20, and
drill every night, except Sunday, from seven to eleven
o'clock. If the boys were well enough to be out of bed,
and imperative business did not prevent, they were re-
quired to be at the Armory, or run the risk of being
arrested and brought there in disgrace. A system of
fines for inattention or carelessness during drill was
adopted. The slightest error or irregularity seldom
escaped the vigilant eye of the commander, and woe to
the delinquent when detected ; for the fine was gene-
rally accompanied by a reprimand, couched in language
more forcible than elegant. Occasionally the culprit
was ordered to the wall, and there, facing it, compelled
to exercise himself in the manual of arms for half an
hour or so. Those unable to drill were required to seat
themselves on a settee provided for the purpose, and
pay strict attention to the movements of the others.
When the company rested, they were allowed to talk ;
when they "broke ranks" they were permitted to leave
their seats, but were required to resume them again
when the command " Fall in " was given. The occu-
pants of this settee were dubbed "The Sore-toe Squad,"
and were the unhappy victims of many a joke from the
wags of the company. Many a poor sick fellow has
been known to drag himself through three hours of
hard drill rather than occupy the " pillory," as the settee
was called. After drilling an hour and a half, arms
were stacked, and the company marched to the supper-
room, where hot coffee and sandwiches were served.
At nine o'clock, drill was resumed, and continued until
10:30 p. m. At all drills the fatigue uniform and knap-
sack were worn. To insure the greatest uniformity
possible, the men's hair was cut alike, and mustaches
and goatees allowed to grow. Some half-a-dozen, who
were unable to comply fully with this regulation, were
placed in the rear rank, and many jokes were cracked
at their expense. A part of the drill also consisted in
jumping horizontal bars, climbing ladders hand over



ELLSWORTH'S CHICAGO ZOUAVES.



hand, etc. Subscriptions toward defraying the expenses
of the eastern tour came in slowlv, and, in consequence
of this, and the death of Colonel Ellsworth's brother,
the date fixed for leaving Chicago was changed from
June 20 to July 2. In fact, it required all the tact and
persuasive powers of Ellsworth to keep the men from
giving up entirely. During the entire month of June,
the men slept in the Armory — first on camp-cots and
then on the floor.

At length the long looked-for day of departure, July
2, arrived. No one was allowed to take any citizen's
clothing. Before leaving the Armory for the cars,
Ellsworth formed the company in a circle, and, standing
in the center, delivered a stirring speech, concluding
with these words :

"By the Eternal! The first man who violates his pledge
while on the tour shall be expelled forthwith, stripped of his uni-
form, and sent back to Chicago in disgrace. So help me God! "

This resolve he had occasion very soon to put into
execution. The company, numbering fifty-one officers
and men, the " Light Guard " band (fifteen men", and
five servants, made a street parade through several of
the business thoroughfares, escorted by the " Light
Guard " and " Highland Guards," to the depot, and
amid the cheers of the military and citizens, and the
booming of artillery, they entered the cars, and the
journey was begun. The names of those who made the
tour were : Captain, Elmer E. Ellsworth ; Second Lieu-
tenant, H. Dwight Laflin; Surgeon, Charles A. DeVil-
lers; Commissary, Joseph R. Scott ; Paymaster, James

B. Taylor; First Sergeant, James R. Hayden; Second
Sergeant, Edward B. Knox; Quartermaster-Sergeant,
Robert W. Wetherell ; Color-Sergeant, Benjamin B.
Botsford; Privates, Fred J. Abby, Gerritt V. S. Aiken,
Merritt P. Batchelor, John A. Baldwin, William Behrend,
Augustus A. Bice, Samuel S. Boone, Edwin L. Brand,
Joseph C. Barclay, James A. Clybourn, Harry H. Hall,
George W. Fruin, Louis B. Hand, Charles H. Hosmer,
William Inness, Louis L. James, Ransom Kennicott,
Lucius S. Larrabee, John C. Long, Waters W. McChes-
ney, Samuel J. Nathans, William M. Olcott, Charles C.
Phillips, Robert D. Ross, B. Frank Rogers, Clement
Sutterly, Charles Scott, Jr., Charles W. Smith, Charles

C. Smith, Edwin M. Coates, Freeman Conner, William
H. Cutler, William N. Danks, James M. DeWitt,
George H. Fergus, Charles H. Shepley, Ira G. True,
Smith B. VanBuren, Harry S. Wade, Sidney P. Walker
and Frank E. Yates.

From lack of space, a narrative in detail can not
here be given of the eastern tour, during which the
Zouaves visited Adrian and Detroit, Mich., Cleveland,
Ohio, Niagara Falls, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Troy,
Albany, West Point, N. Y., New York City, Boston,
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, St.
Louis, Mo., Springfield, 111., Washington, D. C, Salem
and Charlestown, Mass. At all these places, especially
at the National metropolis, they were feted and praised
in the most unstinted terms, so that when they left
Springfield, 111., for Chicago, on August 14, they were
the most prominent and popular military organization
in the United States. During the tour they had receiv-
ed many presents, such as fatigue-caps, epaulets,
swords, plumes, cartridge-boxes, badges, buttons,
ladies' gloves, handkerchiefs, ribbons, fans, and even
jewelry. Before leaving Springfield, these articles were
taken from the baggage, and fastened to the knapsacks
and uniforms, giving the company a very singular ap-
pearance. It resembled nothing more than a travel-
ing variety store or bedecked Christmas tree.



Arriving at Chicago, the victors were awarded a
grand ovation, which was participated in by all the
local militia, the political torchlight clubs, and the Fire
Department. Their reception at the " Wigwam " was
warm. With enthusiastic pride, Mayor Wentworth de-
livered the congratulatory speech. In behalf of his com-
mand, Colonel Ellsworth fitly responded to these public
marks of favor, after which the company executed a
few of their famous movements, and proceeded to the
Briggs House to partake of the elegant banquet there
spread for them. This terminated the tour of nearly
four thousand miles, extending over a period of forty-
three days, the longest ever made, before or since, by
any militia organization in this country. Not only had
the precision, strength and grace of their movements
won for them a national reputation, but their uniform
had so captivated the public taste that, while in aesthetic
Boston, an enterprising dress-maker had captured one
of the Zouaves long enough to take a pattern of his
jacket. This she fashioned into a lady's Zouave jacket,
which became very fashionable among the elite.

Shortly after their return to Chicago, at the earnest
request of her citizens, the Zouaves gave an exhibition
drill at the " Wigwam," for the benefit of the Home for
the Friendless. This was their last appearance as an
organization.

In October, i860, the company disbanded, and a
" skeleton regiment," called the First Regiment Light
Infantry, was formed, as had previously been proposed
by Colonel Ellsworth. His plan, which was to have
a full complement of field, staff and line officers for a
regiment of ten companies, was only partially carried
out, owing to his frequent absences, in the pursuit of his
law studies with Abraham Lincoln, at Springfield.

Early in the spring of 1861, Co. "A," Chicago
Zouaves, consisting of members of the old Zouave
Cadets, was organized by James R. Hayden, its
organization being completed March 21, with the fol-
lowing officers :

Captain, James R. Hayden ; First Lieutenant, John H. Cly-
bourn ; Orderly Sergeant. Robert \V. Wetherell ; Second Sergeant.
James M. DeWitt ; Third Sergeant, Charles H. Hosmer ; Fourth
Sergeant, Robert D. Ross; President, Chauncey Miller; Secretary,
Ira G. True ; Treasurer, A. B. Hatch.

The company, when organized, numbered seventy,
and the exciting events soon following, caused the
ranks of the Zouaves to rapidly fill up. By the middle
of April, they had three hundred names enrolled, and
other companies formed, of which Co. " B " was under
the command of Captain John H. Clybourn, and all
under Captain Joseph R. Scott.

These companies offered their services to Gov-
ernment at the breaking out of the war, and accompa-
nied General Swift, on his Cairo expedition, April 21,
1861. On arriving at Big Muddy bridge, a long wooden
structure over the Big Muddy River, on the Illinois
Central Railroad, at Carbondale, fifty-seven miles north-
east of Cairo, where secession influence was reported to
be strong, Captain Hayden, of Co. " A," and Lieuten-
ant Guthrie, of Co. " B," with their commands, and a
section of artillery, under Lieutenant Willard, were de-
tailed to remain and guard the bridge. The remainder
of General Swift's command proceeded to Cairo, where
the Zouaves remained, doing good service, until May 2.
when Cos. "A" and " B " returned to Springfield, to
join a regiment organizing there.

While in Cairo, the Zouaves, commanded by Cap-
tain Scott, and a section of Chicago Light Artillery,
under Captain Smith, boarded the secession steamers,
"C. E. Hillman " and " John D. Perry," as they neared



190



HISTORY OF CHICAGO.



Cairo, carrying arms and ammunition from St. Louis to
Memphis, and confiscated their cargo. The boats were
run ashore at Bird's Point, opposite Cairo, deserted by
officers and crew, and brought by Captain Scott to
Cairo. The companies of Captains Hayden and Cly-
bourn arrived at Springfield too late to join either of
the regiments formed under the first call of Govern-
ment, and were mustered out of service, receiving one




month's pay from the State. A regiment was formed
the following month, under the "ten-regiment bill,"
called the " Regiment of the State-at-large," and some-
times the " Chicago Regiment." This afterward be-
came the 19th Illinois Infantry, but, under the original
organization at Springfield, in May, 1861, Joseph R.
was elected colonel of the regiment. It had,
when ordered into camp, at Camp Long (named in
honor of ex-Alderman James Long , on Cottage Grove
Avenue, four Zouave companies, as follows:

Co. " A," Captain James K. Hayden; Co. " 15," Captain John
I ," Captain W'illiam Innis; Co. " D," Cap-
tain James V. Guthrie.

in J. II. Clybourn's company was changed to
Co. •• K." He resigned his command in June, for the
purpose of raising a Zouave regiment, to be called the
" Lyon Zo laves," in honor of General Nathaniel Lyon,
killed at Wilson's 'reek, Mo. Captain Clybourn was
succeed by Presly N.Guthrie. The further history of
these Zc panies is included in that of the 19th

Illinois Infantry.

.ncl Ellsworth, who was in Washington when
the first call for troops was made, hastened to New



York City, and organized a regiment from the Fire De-
partment, of which he was appointed colonel — the nth
New York Infantry. Six of his old company joined
him there, and were appointed first lieutenants; seven
held office in the 19th Illinois Volunteers ; five in the
44th New York State Volunteers, and six in the United
States Army. Nearly every member of the " Old Zou-
aves " held commissions during the war, and were scat-
tered through the regiments of a dozen States. Two
were in the Confederate army. Members of the com-
pany, during the war, served as officers in three bat-
teries of artillery, four regiments of cavalry, twenty-six
regiments of infantry, and in the Quartermaster's De-
partment and Signal Corps.

In conclusion, it may be of interest to briefly trace
the career of the principal officers of the company who
participated in the eastern tour:

Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth, soon after his return to
Chicago, went to Springfield, to study law with Mr. Lincoln and
to secure his co-operation in carrying out the great idea, which he
hoped to spend a life-time in perfecting into a system, viz., the
founding of a National Militia Bureau. Then and there began
that warm friendship, unfortunately of short duration, so unaffect-
edly evinced by President Lincoln upon the occasion of the young
officer's sad and untimely death. After having taken part in the
presidential canvass with vigor and ability, he accompanied the
President-elect and his party to Washington, being charged with
his safe conduct. Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion, he
went to New York City, where he organized the nth New York
Volunteers (Fire Zouaves). He and his command were mustered
into service at Washington, May 7, 1S61, the first regiment sworn
in for the war. On May 24, they were transported by two
steamers to Alexandria, Va. There, as is well known, Colonel
Ellsworth was shot while attempting to haul down a rebel flag.

Surgeon Charles A. Devillers, formerly an assistant sur-
geon of the French army service, in Algiers, a Frenchman and an
accomplished swordsman, had done much to perfect young Ells-
worth in the manly use of his favorite arms. He was subsequently
appointed colonel of an Ohio regiment.

Joseph R. Scott, who served during the trip as commissary,
was afterward elected colonel of the igth Illinois Infantry, resigned
in favor of Colonel Turchin, and accepted the lieutenant-colonelcy.
After the promotion of the latter, he became colonel. He was
killed at the battle of Stone River, January 2, 1863.

Paymaster James B. Taylor afterward became connected
with the nth Massachusetts Regiment.

First Sergeant James R. Hayden became captain of Co.
"A," 19th Illinois Infantry, and is now in the government service,
at Olympia, W. T.

Second Sergeant Edward B. Knox became first lieutenant
of Ellsworth's Fire Zouaves, accompanied the regiment to Alex-
andria, served with credit through the war, and has been a resident
of this city since 1870.

Quartermaster Sergeant Robert W. Wetherell served
in the same capacity in the 19th Illinois Infantry.

TWENTY-THIRD ILLINOIS INFANTRY.

Irish Brigade. — On April 20, iS6i, the following
call was published in the Chicago newspapers:

" Rally! All Irishmen in favor of forming a regiment of Irish
volunteers to sustain the Government of the United States in and
through the present war.will rally at North Market Hall, this even-
ing (April 20th), at seven and one-half o'clock. Come all. For
the honor of the Old Land, Rally! Rally for the defense of the
New! (Signed), James A. Mulligan, Aldermen Comiskey and M.
C. McDonald; Captains M. Gleason, C. Moore, J. C. Phillips,
Daniel Quirk, F. McMurray, Peter Casey; Citizens, Daniel McEl-