64th Illinois Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 64th Illinois Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as “Yates’ Sharpshooters,” was an infantry regiment organized in Illinois for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment began as a battalion at Camp Butler, Illinois, in December 1861 and expanded to a full regiment in early 1864. It served primarily in the Western Theater, participating in major campaigns and battles from Missouri to Georgia and the Carolinas.

The unit was noted for its skirmishing abilities and was frequently deployed on the picket and skirmish lines. The 64th Illinois Infantry mustered out of service at Louisville, Kentucky, on July 11, 1865.

Organization & Service

The “First Battalion of Yates’ Sharpshooters” was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, in December 1861, initially comprising four companies, with the last mustered into U.S. service on December 16. Two additional companies joined on December 31, 1861. The battalion moved to Quincy in January 1862, where it was armed, and then to Cairo in February. On March 4, 1862, it advanced via Bird’s Point, Charleston, Bertrand, and Sikeston to New Madrid, Missouri, where it was assigned to Morgan’s brigade, Paine’s division, Pope’s army.

The battalion participated in the night attack at New Madrid on March 12, 1862, and supported siege operations the following day. It was engaged in the siege of Corinth from April 22 until the Confederate evacuation, frequently serving on the skirmish and picket lines. The unit saw action at Chambers’ Creek on May 3, 1862, and during Paine’s reconnaissance on May 7. It led the pursuit of Confederate forces, engaging at Tuscumbia Creek. At the battle of Corinth in October 1862, the battalion was heavily engaged and suffered significant losses.

Throughout 1863, the battalion performed outpost duty at Glendale, Mississippi. On January 15, 1864, after more than three-fourths of the battalion reenlisted, it was granted veteran furlough and reassembled at Ottawa, Illinois, in February. Four new companies were added, forming a full regiment. The regiment returned to the front in May 1864, arriving before Resaca, Georgia, and participated in the Atlanta Campaign, including actions at Dallas, New Hope Church, Kennesaw Mountain, and the battles around Atlanta in July 1864.

The 64th Illinois Infantry joined the pursuit of Hood’s army, engaged at Snake Creek Gap and Cedartown, and then participated in the March to the Sea, including skirmishes at Pooler’s Station and operations against Savannah. In 1865, the regiment took part in the Carolinas Campaign, including the battle of Bentonville. After the surrender of Johnston’s army, the regiment marched to Washington, D.C., participated in the Grand Review, and was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, on July 11, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• New Madrid operations (March 1862)
• Siege of Corinth (April–May 1862)
• Chambers’ Creek (May 3, 1862)
• Paine’s Reconnaissance (May 7, 1862)
• Pursuit to Tuscumbia Creek (May 1862)
• Battle of Corinth (October 1862)
• Outpost duty at Glendale, Mississippi (1863)
• Atlanta Campaign (May–September 1864): Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kennesaw Mountain, Chattahoochee River, Nancy’s Creek, Decatur, Battle of Atlanta (July 22, 1864), Ezra Church (July 28, 1864), Siege of Atlanta
• Pursuit of Hood, Snake Creek Gap, Cedartown (October 1864)
• March to the Sea (November–December 1864): Pooler’s Station, Savannah operations
• Carolinas Campaign (1865): Battle of Bentonville
• Grand Review, Washington, D.C. (May 1865)

Casualties

During its service, the 64th Illinois Infantry sustained significant losses. At the battle of Corinth in October 1862, the regiment lost 70 men killed, wounded, and missing. At Kennesaw Mountain on June 27, 1864, it lost 57 killed and wounded; on July 4, 1864, it lost 25 killed and wounded; and at the battle of Atlanta on July 22, 1864, it lost 15 killed, 67 wounded, and 7 missing. At Bentonville, the regiment lost 13 killed and wounded. Complete aggregate casualty figures for the entire service term are not specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John Morrill
• Lieutenant Colonel David E. Williams
• Lieutenant Colonel John Morrill
• Lieutenant Colonel Michael W. Manning
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph S. Reynolds
• Major Frederick W. Matteson
• Major George W. Stipp
• Major John W. Stewart
• Major Samuel B. Thompson
• Major Joseph S. Reynolds

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 64th Illinois Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on company assignments, ranks, and service records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 64th Illinois Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 8, 10, 17, 38, 39, 47
• Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois
• Dyer, Frederick H. Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• Contemporary regimental and state histories