, 1863-03-02
TEE LEAD MINE REGIMENT.
4 Brief History Of that Gallant Corps.

Eolt0T6 lineage ltlpuue.
! send you enclosed an extract from the re-
port Of Inspector General Strong OF the 18th
army corps, relating to the old honored
"Washburne Lead Mine,' 45th regiment 1lll-
nois volunteer infantry, which will show that
it has lost nothing of the high state Of cffici-
cncy and discipline that characterized the
skilliul administration of Colonel, nov Brig.
General, John E. Smith, and which doubtless
will be highly gratifying to the friends Of
these brave soldiers at home, rs 1t is merited
and accorded here.
The regiment Las been under the lmulcdi-
ate command Of Lieut.. Col. Jasper A. 3taltby,
most Of the time since the 4th day OF last
May, when he came back with unhealed
wounds, received at Fort Donelson, TO partic-
ipate in the expected battle at Corinth, Col
Smith being in command Of the brigade, and
the Major on detached service. To give you
All idea Of the popularity Of this officer, as a
soldier in the Federal army, I have but to
mention that he was unanimously recon-
mended by the commanding officers Of the
regiment to His Excellency the Governor of
Illinois, to ill the vacancy occasioned By the
promotion Of Gen. Smith, and which recon-
1nendatiou WAS cordially endorsed and car
nestly approved by Col. Marsh, commanding
1st brigade; Brig. Gen. Logan, commanding
Sd division; Major Gen. MCPHERSON, COM
nanding 11th army corps; and Major Gen.
Grant, Commanding the Department Of the
Tennessee.
III this connection I must mention the
Senior Captain, Luther II. Cowen, q most ac-
comr}ished and gallant officer and gentleman.
II
unalrreciated.
Tie officers Of the regiment, as we'll as
commanders, at the various superior head
quarters, have given him most hearty and
unqualified Recommendation for the position
Of Lieutenant Colonel.
The officers and men are now awaiting the
Governors pleasure in the matter. aud daily
r>l&vtins to sec the eagles and silver leaves
rs,nnscd by those for whom they lllvc cx-
r-ces:1 their unqualified preference to lead
Il y - !'.:,t ai1 ergrossing field Of action,
~: .-'.:,;. Ever yonrs,
+ - =. =, 7ero-: ce Inspector General
''': ."s;''' 'ts;l :.:my Corps, for Janu-
H..,.
!. -. -:.:. l., .,;s;14.irut. Col, NaItby com
:"'. - si'n1Et in the Sd Division cores
l.'teA :':;h i. it appeared magnifceutly
l., .:.L1a: tie entire Inspection. Every
.".dier al'Ecared With his coat buttoned to
r.: throat; cresy soldier had knapsack,
| cartr:dgc box, bayonet scabbard, haytrsack
equipment WAS carried and slung il the
| proper manner.
The guns are far superior to any have
seen. The Enfield rifle, with the sabre b1yo.
net, aud many Of them having the patent
breech. 1nside they show like FURNISHED sill,
14,1 ot7$ $f,0 t&r$I rF
| stocks hardly a brnise or scratch could be
| found. The locks were also in splendid Or.
| der; they worked like the lock Of French
| DerTirger, or Of Jo. Manton's best. Not a
bayonct or spring WAS missing. Everything
~as complete. inspected the knapsacks Q,
several Of the companies, and am happy to
| state that no fault could be found with them.
| The overcoats were neatly folded, and tile
blankets and undcrclothcs and stockings wer.
| all nicely arranged. and were clean
The camp was in striking contrast with the
camps Of several Of the regiments Of the bri
gadc. The ground upon which the brigade
qucncc Of recent rains, very muddy, but owing
10 the energy and perseverance, of the Lieu
tenant Colonel commanding, the camp Of the
45th presented fair appearance.
The colorline had been cleared up, sinks ba6
been dug, kitchens established, and fires BULL
In their proper places; tents pitched in accor
/
and quarters Of the men were kept clea1
md comfortable. As the inspecting Officer
passed down the company streets the mer
were formed in line. stood at attention, ant
gave the proper salute.
The hospital vas sp1eudidly arranged fol
the comfort Of the MEN, but no men we.,
found to be in it. Of the Quartermaster ane
Commlssary Departments have nothing te
say, but from the appearance of the mc1
should judge they were we'll provided With
everything necessary for their health and
comfort. Company and regimental book:
could lot be improved. Transportation il
excellent condition and properly packed
The regiment Is finely drilled, and unde,
good discipline, and the appearance Of tl.e
enlisted men in line and in column, and the
manner in which they acquitted themselye:
throughout, not only entities them to carry
off the prize which they 50 Justly deserve
but reflects great honor and praise on Lieut.
Col. Maltby aud the officers Of his command
| WV. E. STRONG,
Inspector General 18th Army Corps.
I {OfHcia'.} ". 7. FRonoCK,
| Adjutant 18th Ill. Vol. 1nft'y.