That portion of this work which deals with the organization of the regiment and its earlier experiences, and the events occurring while on the way to the theater of war before the first battle, though prepared with great care, will not, perhaps, prove as entertaining as will some other portions which chronicle more stirring events. It has been our desire, and effort as well, to beget and constantly maintain an interest, on the part of the reader, in the narrative from beginning to end. The reader, of whatever class, when once started in tracing our history as an organization, will have curiosity, if not interest enough, to continue to the end of the last chapter. We apprehend they will, if the result of our labors shall appear in attractive and entertaining style, and tell a plain and simple story in becoming language. Will not the present and the oncoming generation, the youth and middle-aged of to-day and to-morrow, those who are now reaping and enjoying, and those who will reap and enjoy, the benefits and blessings purchased by the servicesĪnd sacrifices of the soldiery of the war, appreciate and remunerate our labors as here culminated? And as furnishing a contribution to history, giving some of the details and minutiae of the contest, we shall surely be able to gain some appreciation at the hands of the general public. Neither of the classes we have just enumerated will we denominate as the "general reader," or as belonging to that class, though of course, some of them may but we will consider them our especial friends, and of the number on whom we shall depend. Surviving comrades of those regiments that were at some time in the same brigade with the 73d, will, as a rule, and as opportunity offers, become patrons of this effort to depict common trials and dangers. Representatives or descendants of those members of the regiment who were killed, or who died during the service or since, will likewise manifest an interest in the work. It is assumed that every survivor of the regiment will become possessor of one or more copies as soon as he learns the work is complete. This was the thought and impression in the minds of many members of the Regimental Association and many members, nearly all, favored the publication. The facts, the data, and all the circumstances connected in and about the service and record of the regiment, if rightly used, put in proper shape, can be made to possess an attraction for the general reader. The character and reliability of the material, as well as the amount, seemed to warrant the preparation of a history for publication. Regiment, than was before thought, or known, to be available for that purpose. The investigation and search made by this committee, also disclosed the existence of more material out of which to make a history of the The work of this committee, as completed and shown in full herein, seemed to strengthen the purpose as well as justify the labor of writing a full and complete history of the regiment from the time of its entry into service until its muster out. Patten, was appointed to collect evidence and prepare a report, or history, showing the positions held and the part performed by the 73d Illinois, and incidentally by the brigade, in the campaign in Tennessee, in 1864, from Columbia to Nashville. At the same meeting, a committee consisting of W. This action, as ratified or aquiesced in by the Association, may be said to be the beginning or foundation of this work. Sherrick as the committee to prepare such history. After consideration of the matter by the Association, its President, Captain Charles Tilton, appointed W. The object in view, at the time, was to have such history prepared, and have it read to the Association at its next meeting. Through death the path to glory lies." 5 Introduction.ĪT a meeting of the Regimental Reunion Association of survivors of the 73d Illinois Volunteers, held at Decatur, October 8, 1888, it was decided that a committee, consisting of three members of the Association, be appointed to prepare a history of the regiment. In Memory of all who lost their lives in the service of their country, in the Armies of the union, this work is DEDICATED by the Regimental Reunion Association of Survivors OF THE 73d Illinois Infantry Volunteers, To their comrades and friends, and to the descendants of such to the latest generation. Shooting of General Newlson by General Davis.īattle-Field - Cotton-Gin - Franklin, Tennessee. Offerings of the People on the Altar of the Country
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