The 13th Illinois Infantry was mustered into federal service by
Captain John Pope at Camp Dement,
Dixon, Illinois, on May 24, 1861, for a three-year term. The Thirteenth was the first Regiment organized from the Second Congressional District of Northern Illinois. In June, the regiment was ordered to
Caseyville, Illinois, 10 miles east of
St. Louis, and by July 5, had arrived at
Rolla, Missouri, where it remained until the spring of 1862. While stationed at Rolla, the regiment was deployed to guard the supply trains to and from
General Lyon’s army, from guerrilla bands in that part of the state a small detachment took part at the
battle of Wilson’s Creek. The Thirteenth was also part of
General Fremont’s force that went to
Springfield, Missouri, in the fall of 1861. In 1862 the regiment joined
General Curtis’ army at Pea Ridge, Missouri, 250 miles southwest of Rolla, in his
march from Pea Ridge to Helena, Arkansas, on the Mississippi River. The regiment was part of
General Sherman’s army in his attack on
Chickasaw Bayou, and on the first day of battle at the Bayou, Colonel Wyman was killed. The Thirteenth was also present at the capture of
Arkansas Post, and was successful in a raid in
Greenville, Mississippi. The regiment was mustered out on June 18, 1864. ==Total strength and casualties==