Historical Highlights of the Brigade
Governor Yates received communication from the War Department, S.P. Chase, on April 15, 1861 to send troops to defend the Union at or near Grand Cairo, IL. Ten companies were established, consisting of 6 infantry and 4 artillery. The Illinois State Militia General, R. K. Swift, was appointed to command on April 19, 1861. The command established Head-Quarters and by April 22, 1861 left Chicago by train and encamped at Fort Defiance near Cairo, IL. The first action was to stop two steamers loaded with powder and small arms. “HeadQuarters Camp Cairo, April 24, 1861 Colonel B.M. Pretiss, Dear Sir; The steamers, C.E. Hillman and John D. Perry, are about to leave St. Louis with arms and munitions. Stop said boats and seize arms and munitions. Richard Yates, Commander-in-Chief.” On April 25, 1861, a small contingent consisting of the Chicago Light Artillery commanded by Captain James Smith and 25 infantrymen seized the transports and confiscated all contrabanded articles. It is also on this date that the Illinois State Assembly in special session commissions the raising of 6 more infantry regiments which are listed as the 7th thru the 12th with 750 men each. It was also decided the first force from Illinois shall be known as the 1st Brigade Illinois Volunteers.
