Fifteen
Years Ago: or the Patriotism of Will County
George H. Woodruff
Lieut.
Col. Wm. Erwin, of the 20th
was of Irish parentage, and
came to Illinois when a mere lad, with his parents, who settled
somewhere in the vicinity of Chicago. When the Mexican war broke
out, he enlisted in the first regiment of Illinois volunteers, Co.
Hardin, and was made 2d lieutenant of his company, and soon after
promoted 1st lieutenant. He also held for some time the position
of quartermaster to the regiment. At the battle of Buena Vista,
he was in command of his company, and behaved with great bravery, and
won distinction. After the close of the war he settled in Ottawa,
and went into business in that place, where he also married a most
estimable lady, who still survives him with two children. In 1858
he removed with his family to Joliet, and was in the employ of
the
Alton & St. Louis R.R. at the breaking out of the war of the
rebellion. As we have elsewhere mentioned, Col. Erwin was a
Douglas democrat in his political preferences, and during the then
recent campaign had commanded a company of the "Invincibles". But
no sooner had it become evident that war was meant by the south, than
he commenced to enlist a company under the first call. We have
given an account of his efforts in this respect, and of his connection
with the 20th Illinois elsewhere, and need not repeat it here. He
followed the fortunes of that regiment up to the time of his
death. Having had previous experience in military matters, he
knew what to do, and how, and when to do it, which rendered him
an invaluable officer at a time when most others were entirely
inexperienced. When Gen. Grant visited Cape Girardeau, while the
20th regiment was stationed there, he had occasion to make a
requisition on the Q.M. of the reg't, which was so methodically and
quickly filled, that Gen. Grant expressed his surprised and
commendation to Q.M. Shields. To this Shields replied, that if
there was any credit due it belonged to Col. Erwin, who had instructed
him in his duties. This led to the formation of an acquaintance
between Gen Grant and Col. Erwin, and between their families, which
became quite friendly, and Gen. Grant always regarded Erwin as
one of his most reliable officers. He offered to give Erwin the
permanent command of the post at Girardeau, but he (Erwin) preferred to
follow the fortunes of the regiment.
Col. Erwin was a man of great urbanity and kindness of
heart, and did not think it necessary that an officer should be a rough
or a tyrant, to command obedience. He was in the habit of
visiting the hospitals daily, looking after the welfare of the men; and
always treated them with great kindness and respect, giving furloughs
to those who were sick, believing that a short furlough was better than
medicine. While at Bird's Point, in the witner of 1861 - too many
were sick in hospital, and Erwin being in command of the regiment
(during the temporary absence of Col. Marsh) gave out furloughs so
freely, as to subject himself to the criticisms of his colonel on his
return. But when the men all came back well, in time for the
advance on Fort Henry, he confessed that Erwin's prescription was the
best.
Col. Erwin was also a fine example to his command in
the matter of his personal habits. He made no use either of
whiskey or tobacco, and was never known to utter an oath. In
short, Col. Erwin has left behind him a record as a citizen, a soldeir
and a man, of which his children and friends may well be proud As
to his tenderness and fidelity as a husband, father and friend, there
is no need to speak. His last interview with his family was at
Fort Henry the 11th of Feb., when he saw them for a few moments and for
the last time, just before the advance to Donaldson. On the field
of Donaldson, the day before he was killed, he hastily wrote his last
letter to his wife and children.
Next day, as we have elsewhere related, he was struck by a
solid shot while leading on his men, and instantly killed. The
body was brought home in care of Capt. Bartleson, amd was received with
all due and fitting respect and honor at Joliet, and also at Ottawa,
where it was buried.
Col. Erwin was a splendid horseman, and at a grand review
which Grant held of the troops at Bird's Point before the advance on
Fort Henry, he was pronounced by many, the finest looking officer on
the ground.
The following extract from a letter from Col. Marsh,
written after Col. Erwin's death, pays but a just tribute to the fallen
hero, and is creditable to the writer:
"A large delegtion from Illinois is here today, but
I cannot bring my feelings up to the pitch of exultation that they
exhibit. My heart is sad, and all the splendor of our great
victory cannot drive from my mind, the loss of my dear friend and brave
boys. You know the close intimacy that existed between Col. E.
and myself. He was my right hand man, my confidante and
counselor. I am indeed stricken to the death. Never, from
the first moment of our acquiatance, to its close, did anyting occur to
mar our friendship. And I am glad to acknowledge that much of the
efficiency of the 20th is due to his skill and energy as an officer."