This excerpt is the “official ” regimental history.
Regimental History of Illinois 128th Infantry -Col., Robert M. Hundley; Lieut.-Col., James D. Pulley; Maj., James D. McCown. This regiment was organized in the fall of 1862, and was mustered into the U.S. service at Camp Butler in November. It was sent to Cairo, where it was stationed during the greater part of the following winter. A great deal of dissatisfaction and lack of regimental discipline was manifested there and many desertions occurred. By April 1, 1863, although the regiment had been in the service for a period of less than five months, its number had been reduced from an aggregate of 860 to 161-principally by desertions-and there having been an utter want of discipline in the regiment, the officers were discharged and the few remaining men were transferred to other Illinois regiments. (Source: The Union Army, vol. 3, Battles FoughtFought on 29 Dec 1862.)
The following except is another view as recorded by Milo Erwin in Bloody Vendetta.
“After the regiment was raised, they went into quarters for a few days at the Fair Grounds; from here they went to Springfield, where they organized, with R. M. Hundley as Colonel, and James D. Pully as Lieutenant Colonel. They remained there about a month before they drew clothing, and it was very cold, and they half naked.
The Republican press abused them without mercy, and the officers were looked upon with suspicion and contempt, and given no chance to exhibit their loyalty. They were called the “Whang Doodle Regiment.” The men became dissatisfied, and soon began to desert; but after they drew clothes, half of them were furloughed home.
The remainder escorted General McClelland to Cairo. Those who had been furloughed home never reported back. A few of the remaining privates were transferred to other regiments, and the others discharged. While at Cairo George Aikin, the Quartermaster of this regiment, went over to Jeff. Thompson”s army, and proposed to assist them in capturing Cairo. He agreed that this regiment should all understand it, and not fire on them. He made two trips for this purpose, and had a gentleman with him one time.
The last trip, a lieutenant from Thompson’s army came with him to view the situation. The intention was for Aikin and his confederate to post all the soldiers, and for Thompson to send soldiers over and capture the city. Aikin commenced his insidious works of informing the boys of his plot. About the first man he told it to was Dr. J. Clemison.
Clemison went immediately and told Colonel Hundley all about the infamous plot, and Hundley indignantly vetoed the whole thing.
This regiment was composed of as good material as any in the service, but they were badly treated. The Chaplain said, “That there were men in this regiment that would have turned their guns against the Government I have no doubt, but the majority of them would have made as good soldiers as lived, under favorable circumstances.”
(Excerpt from History of Williamson County, Milo Erwin)