The One Hundred and Seventeenth Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organized at Camp Butler, Ill., in September, 1862 by Colonel Risdon M. Moore, and was mustered in September 19, by Captain Washington, United States Army.

Moved from Camp Butler, November 11, and arrived at Memphis, Tenn., on the 17th. Remained on duty at Memphis until July 5, 1863, when it was sent to reinforce Helena, Ark., and returned. December 25, it was sent after Forrest, in Western Tennessee, losing 3 men killed in a skirmish at Lafayette, Tenn.

December 29, 1863, moved to Vicksburg in Third Brigade, Third Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. Was engaged in the Meridian Campaign. On 5th February, was engaged in a skirmish, losing 2 killed and 5 wounded. Returned to Vicksburg, March 4. On the 10th of March, embarked for Red River expedition. Assisted in the capture of Fort DeRussey, March 14, 1864. Engaged in the battle of Pleasant Hill, April 9. Moved to Grand Ecore, 11th. On 14th, was sent to relief of the gunboats and transports, at Campta, La., and was engaged at Cloutierville and Cane River; at Bayou Rapids, May 2; at Governor Moore's plantation and Bayou Roberts, May 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 11. Continued on return march to Mississippi River, on 14th, skirmishing daily. In battle of Yellow Bayou, May 18, and arrived at Mississippi on 20th, and at Vicksburg on 27th. Took part in driving Marmaduke from Chicot Lake and Columbia, Ark., and arrived at Memphis, June 10, 1864.

Marched to the relief of Sturgis on June 14th, and, on 23d, commenced the Tupelo Campaign. Was engaged at Tupelo July 14th, and at Old Town Creek, 15th. Commenced Oxford Campaign August 5th. Was engaged at Hurricane Creek, 18th, 19th, and 20th, and returned to Memphis on 10th.

Arrived at Jefferson Barracks September 19th. Was engaged October 1st at Franklin. Moved via Jefferson City, Sedalia, Lexington, Independence and Harrisonville, and returned to St. Louis, November 19th.

Moved to Nashville, Tenn., and took position in the works. December 1, 1864. Was engaged in the battle of Nashville, December 15th, and turned them upon the retreating enemy. Reached Clifton, January 4th, 1865. Embarked at Eastport for New Orleans, arriving January 17. embarked at Chalmette March 7, and moved to Dauphine Island. Moved to Fish River with the Sixteenth Corps., Major A.J. Smith commanding. Engaged at Spanish Fort, from March 27 till April 2, and at Fort Blakely until the 9th, taking part in its capture.

Marched for Montgomery April 12, and thence to Camp Butler, Ill., where the Regiment was mustered out August 5, 1865, by Captain James A. Hall, United States Army.

Distance traveled by Rail, miles ........................778
Distance traveled by water, miles....................6,191
Distance marched, miles ................................2,307
The Regiment has been engaged in 6 battles and 33 skirmishes.