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Hdqrs. Eighty-Eighth Illinois Infantry Vols., tlanta,
September
10, 1864
.
Lieutenant: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the regiment which I have the
honor to command in the
campaign which has resulted in the capture from the enemy and occupation of Atlanta:
On the
3d day of May, 1864, the regiment marched from Cleveland,
Tenn., its effective strength being 18 officers and 261 men. Subsequently it assisted in the occupation
of Rocky Face Ridge after the capture of that place by the Third Brigade, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps.
May
14
and
15
, it was engaged with the enemy at Resaca.
May
17
, skirmished from Calhoun, Ga., to Pleasant Hill; engaged at Pleasant
Hill from 4 p. m. to 6 p. m.
May
25
, took position at New Hope Church, on left of Twentieth Army Corps; engaged constantly in skirmishing for eleven days.
June
6
and
7
, covered removal of hospital, Third Division, Fourth Army Corps. 18th, supported skirmish line at Mud Creek. 19th, skirmished on Noonday Creek, in front of Kenesaw
Mountain, taking 12 prisoners. 27th, formed part of column of attack on enemy's works.
July
9
, marched to Roswell and forded Chattahoochee River. 11th, recrossed river and returned to Rottenwood Creek. 13th, crossed river at Powers'
Ferry. 20th, skirmished with the enemy, driving him and capturing three lines of skirmish pits, gained
position; was attacked by enemy in afternoon, and repulsed him.
July
22
, moved to position in front of Atlanta and built works.
August
1
, moved to left of line, relieving Twenty-third Army Corps.
25th, marched to west of Atlantic and Western
Railroad. 30th, skirmished with enemy, driving him.
September
1
, marched to Jonesborough; in second line, moved upon the
enemy, forcing him back.
8th, returned to Atlanta.
The above summary indicates the marked points of a campaign of incessant marching, building works, and fighting.
The records of the regiment exhibit the loss of several officers and many men, chief among them the
accomplished, zealous,
and brave
Lieut. Col.
George
W.
Chandler
, killed in the charge of the
27th of June
, than whom no purer or more gallant spirit has fallen as a sacrifice for the honor of the Government.
First Lieut.
Noah
W.
Rae
, who died
June
2, 1864
, from wounds received
May
17
, was an excellent and brave officer.
I deem worthy of special mention for meritorious conduct during the campaign the following officers:
Capt.
John
W.
Chickering, jr.
, Company F;
Capt.
Dean
R.
Chester
, Company G;
First Lieut.
James
Rhines
, Company E;
First Lieut.
Albion
G.
Burnap
, Company A.
Accompanying this is a list of casualties
Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 officer and 25 men killed, 4 officers and 81 men wounded, and 1 officer and 3 men
missing; total, 115. of the regiment during the campaign.
I remain, respectfully, your obedient servant,