He gave his commands in quick, nervous, broken English: "Tenyan, Titalyan! Fa'rd March! By Goompanies, Right 'Veel!" (Attention Battalion! Forward March! By Companies, Right Wheel!) When the evolutions of the green regiment were faulty, it was amusing to hear the scolding in broken English from the drillmaster.
In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, I hope to chronicle the daily life of my great-great grandfather, William Fleming. He served with the 130th Illinois Infantry. I also have a great-great grandfather, William Henry Ellis, who served with the North Carolina Cavalry. Unfortunately, I do not have much information about his service, but perhaps I'll mix in some of his story in when time allows.
Tuesday, October 28, 1862
The newly organized 130th Illinois Infantry was put under a Dutch drillmaster. According to Charles Johnson he was a short, little fellow, with a red face, sandy mustache and goatee. He wore a cap, a blue blouse and a sword that dragged the lower end of its scabbard on the ground.