96th Illinois, Company B

True men and brave soldiers

We will portray the men of this company on the Atlanta campaign of 1864 June 15th -June 16th, we were in action on the 14th at Pine Mountain and 15th to 19th marching and fighting.

Brevet Colonel J. C. Smith, commanding Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry:

You, with the officers and men of the Ninety-sixth Illinois, after three years' gallant devotion to the cause of our common country, in this war against rebellion, are now about to return to your homes, with honor unstained, and with reputation bright with glory. Your deeds will live forever. In nearly every battle of the southwest you have been engaged, from Fort Donelson, through Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Resaca, Rockyface, Dallas, New Hope, Franklin and Nashville,-you have borne the flag of the Union and the banner of your noble State to victory over the foe who would have destroyed the Government and Union made by our fathers. God has given you the victory. Remember Him. And now, that the war is over, the rebellion at an end, remember those whom you have conquered. Use victory as becomes true men and brave soldiers. Return to your homes with enmity toward none, and charity for all.

Below is a breakdown of events leading up to the dates we will portray.

March 1st 1864

Ordered to Cleveland to fortify and garrison, remaining there until April 23 when camp was broken and the Regiment again joined to its command, preparatory to commencing the Atlanta campaign.

May 3, 1864

Moved with command; engaged the enemy on the 9th at Rocky Face Ridge, losing heavily; entered Dalton on the 13th; engaged again at Resaca on the 14th and 15th with heavy loss. Skirmished with the enemy on the 19th and drove through Kingston, south of which the army rested until the 24th. Engaged at New Hope Church on the 25th and again, from the 27th to June 5, in the rifle pits in front of Dallas.
June 10th and 11th, skirmishing, and in action on the 14th at Pine Mountain, where the rebel General Bishop Polk was killed. 15th to 19th
marching and fighting. 20th and 27th, assault on Kenesaw Mountain, in which the Regiment lost heavily,-Colonel Champion and Lieutenant Colonel Smith being severely wounded, and Captains Gilmore and James mortally.

Impression

We have a good deal of information on Co B during this period of time from a report no on equipment carried by the men during this campaign to see this outstanding info click here

http://members.aol.com/wis33rd/33articles/snapshot.html

• Jackets: Sack, lined Shell/ cut down frock, Frock Coat (All to have hand finished button holes)
• Trousers: Schuylkill Arsenal or J.T. Martin or civilian trousers in brown grey or blue once more these to have hand finished button holes
• Headwear: The 1858 dress hat, Forage cap, Slouch hat
• Shirts: Single button Domet flannel issue shirt Placket front, Contract issue shirt brown, blue or gray, Civilian shirt with placket front (All buttonholes hand finished)
• Cartridge Box: Pattern 1861 (must have the tins)
• Canteen: Model 1858 smooth face with cotton sling with or without cover.

Ok that's the basics I know there's a lot more but for some good pictures of Illinois troops see Echoes of Glory page 124 7th Illinois on Lookout Mountain and page 187 Pvt John M. Mitchell 79th Illinois.