Logan Biography Continued - Page 2
With the war a reality, southern Illinoisans faced a grave decision. Their strong southern ties brought calls for anti-war and even secessionist activities, but no firm actions were taken as “Egypt” awaited Logan’s decision. Logan, like the region itself, was torn—pushed in one direction by regional racism and Southernism and in another by his loyalty to the Union. He eventually declared himself for the Union. While a congressman, Logan took part in the Battle of Bull Run. Returning home, he spoke on August 1861 at the Marion, Illinois, town square. This speech and Logan’s decision to fight for the North are credited with bringing southern Illinois to the Union cause.
Logan volunteered for the Union, and President Abraham Lincoln authorized Logan to command a regiment of the Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In August 1861 he began to assemble the 31st Illinois Volunteer Infantry. During the war, Logan fought in eight major campaigns. At Fort Donelson Logan and the 31st were part of a three-and-a-half mile Union line around the fort. When the Union right collapsed after three hours, the 31st remained on the field and fought alone on two fronts for nearly an hour. Logan was shot through the left shoulder; with the wound bandaged by doctors, he returned to battle streaming blood. Then a Confederate ball smashed his holstered pistol and drove splinters into his side, nearly breaking his ribs. Logan was shot once more through his right thigh. With his regiment out of ammunition and himself severely weakened by the loss of blood, Logan and his regiment left the field. By nightfall, Fort Donelson fell—the first major Union victory of the Civil War. The 31st lost 303 of 606 men. Journalists renamed them “Logan’s Dirty-First Regiment” and they are the celebrities of the Northern press. Logan was originally reported dead, but survives his many wounds. Logan received a battlefield promotion to brigadier general from General Grant.
After recovering from his wounds, Logan quickly returned to the front. After valiant fighting at Vicksburg, Logan was promoted to Major General. Logan showed his skill again during the Battle of Atlanta. When General McPherson was killed during the fighting, Logan quickly assumed command of the Army of the Tennessee. Riding among the men to reform his lines, Logan grabbed the flag, raised it high and shouted “McPherson and revenge boys!” The blue lines firmed. Chanting “Black Jack! Black Jack!” the Army of the Tennessee advanced against a hail of Rebel fire and retook all lost ground.
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