05. Civil War Diary Part V (Sept 1862 - Nov-1862)



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Personal letter

Camp Western Sharp Shooters


Corinth, Miss, Sept 13 1862


Dear Sister,


There are rumors of an attack being made on this place by the rebels under Gen. Price. There is fighting at Iuka a place about (20) miles. Three companies of our regiment have been ordered there, the rebels drove our men from that place but tonight’s reports say that the Union troops have retaken it. They captured a large amount of army stores. Having an opportunity, I got my (???) taken and I send it to you without a case because it is easier sent + I wish you would have your picture taken + send it to me. I do not know how soon I may be called on to go out-



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September 1st 1862 Monday – (in red ink) Battle of Chantilly, near Washington. Lee assailed Pope at Centerville, who fell back to Fairfax. C.H. + finally to the entrenchments at Washington = where the army of VA – disappeared.


Autumn now begins – It does not seem to have been so very hot during July + Aug – but it is as hot now as then + quite dusty.


Sep 2nd Tuesday- rumors of movements – (in red ink) Lee having driven Pope + his army into Washington, starts on the Invasion of Maryland – to (colerate) with Bragg’s invasion of Kentucky.


Sep 3rd Wednesday, Some excitement in the air.


Sep 4th Thursday – (???) activity is felt [17yrs. 3 mos old]


Sep 5th Friday – No one seems to know why, but all say a fight is near.


Sep 6th Saturday- Parties of soldiers + negroes are at work on breastwork


Sep 7th Sunday – reported that Gen. Price advancing upon us. All scattered troops are moving close to town.


Sep 8th – Monday – Work is going forward on breastworks toward the college


Sep 9th – Tuesday – a line of breastworks close to town all around going up


Sep 10th – Wednesday – the breastworks run in near our regt. camp


Sep 11th Thursday At the Depot, there is a constant movement of cars.


Sep 12th Friday – Many prominent generals in town. Grant, McPherson, Ord, Rosecrans, + some say Halleck.


(In red ink) Bragg’s approach to Cincinnati creates a panic there. Lew Wallace hastens there + checks Kirby smith’s designs, Kirby Smith then occupies Frankfurt Ky, + rejoined Bragg. (sep 12, the 12th Corps organized of troops in Washington under McDowell


Sep 13 Saturday- digging everywhere – Breastworks very solid.


Sep 14- Sunday,(in red ink) Battle of South Mountain Md, McClellan with a reorganized army of potamac hastens to interrupt Lee in Maryland, Sep 15 Monday, Sep 16 Tuesday, Sep 17 Wednesday (in red ink) Battle of Antietam, McClellan meets + defeats Lee – here lee falls back into VA, Sep 18, Sept 19th, Sep 20th – In the U.S. Army Service just one year today.


Sept 21 – Sunday, 1862 –


Cos. K, F, G, + H ordered to Iuka – 20 miles S.E. on the M+C R.R. today – It is raining very hard-


Sept 22 Monday – There is fighting at Iuka, We can dimly hear the cannonade – let us see how this has come about.



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Map of the Line held by Grant’s army, summer + Autumn of 1862. Annotated with names of forces and commanding officers,



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Movements around Iuka, Miss.


When Beauregard evacuated Corinth, he withdrew his army to Tulepo, Miss. 80 miles South of Corinth. On the M+O R.R. where Gen. Bragg took command of it June 16, 1862, + soon began to move it eastward to Chattanooga, recruiting it so as soon to be able to start north for the Ohio river + reclaim East Tenn. + Kentucky – about the same time Lee recovered from McClelland’s first ‘On to Richmond” planned to move north to the Potomac + recover Maryland. Gen Pope with the left wing of Hallecks siege of Corinth army followed Beauregard to Tulepo + Gen Pope watching him while we observe the effect of the fall of Corinth upon the Miss. River.


When Ft. Donelson was taken a U.S. army came into a position to the south of Columbus Ky. On Miss river – so far that the Confederate abandoned Columbus, + fell back down the river to Island No. 10 + New Madrid, 25 + 30 miles south.


An expedition was then organized against No. 10. Gunboats under Com. Foote + army under Gen Pope. They got to the enemy March 3rd 1862 + took New Madrid march 13. The C.S. all went to No 10. Which was taken April 8, 1862. With an immense quantity of cannons + stores.


Com Foote + Gen. Pope then proposed to move down the river + take Fort Pillow on the Miss. 10 m. above Memphis + which defended Memphis, but on Apr. 17 Gen Pope was ordered to take his army to Corinth to join in the siege – Com Foote was ill from his wound + died June 26, 1862. June 26. Com. Davis sailed took his place + held the gunboats in the river above Fort Pillow.


May 30th 1862 – Corinth was evacuated + June 4th 1862 Fort Pillow was evacuated as a result of Corinth. June 6 Com Davies sailed down to Memphis and dispersed the C.S. gunboats + took Memphis. We will now go back to Pope whom we left watching Bragg at Tupelo, Miss.


June 22nd 1862 – The soldiers in Command of Gens Fremont



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Map of Oct 3rd 1862 Battle of Corinth.


Heavily annotated, with troop names and strength and captioned in the bottom left corner as follows:


After Van Dorn’s failure at Iuka, he and Price united at Ripley + from thence moved against Rosecrans at Corinth – they have 22,000 men.


Rosecrans had 18,500


Oct 1st Rosecrans takes in his outposts


Oct 2nd Van Dorn at Pocahontas 20 m N.W. + there was a cavalry skirmish there.


Oct 3rd Van Dorn advance met Oliver’s Brigade of McKean’s Div. at Chewalla + The fighting began there in the morning. Oct 9 a.m. the troops took position + Oliver’s brigade fell back awaited by McArthur’s Brigade of same Division.



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Banks + McDowell respectively, + those in the defense around Washington were organized into the U.S. Army of Va + the Command given to Gen. Pope. Who was to defend Washington + help McClellan retreat from Richmond.


His old Corinth troops then came under Grant’s command- two divisions. Gen Palmer’s + Gen. Jeff C. Davis’ going to KY to assist Buell. They garrisoned Nashville.


Meanwhile in last of June Bragg began to work his army away from Tulepo toward Chattanooga + Buell was left to take care of him. The Military Situation in the west is – Gen Curtis in MO. Gen Grant in Miss + Gen. Buell in KY + Tenn., but directed to move to East Tenn. Gen Grant’s army is scattered along from Memphis Tenn. To Florence + Tuscumbia Ala – by Hallack’s dispositions after taking Corinth.


At Memphis – Lew. Wallace in command


At Balwin – E.O.C. Ord


At Grand Junction – Hurlbut


At Jackson – Grant Hdqrs.


At Corinth – Rosencrans + 5 div.


The C.S. Authorities now attempt a general move North by Bragg + Lee. Hence an army is collected from fragments left of New Madrid + Island (No.) 10 + Ft. Pillow + Memphis + Pearidge- from Miss + Alabama – all under Price + Van Dorn, with Lovell of New Orleans, Villipeague, Rust + other subordinate. Guerillas begin to scour the Country + there are skirmishes at various points. Finally Price + Van Dorn have some 40,000 men + with these they move on Grant expecting to push him out of the way + go on to help Bragg. This cause the battle at Iuka. Van Dorn + 20,000 expected to get on by Corinth, but as Van Dorn failed at Iuka, he fell back + they joined at Ripley.



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Newspaper Clippings:

Article on Monument to Colonel Rodgers


Also dedication to a grave for “unknown Heroes”



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Annotated Map of the Battle of Corinth on Oct 5th. Sketching’s of Battery Robinette and the Town of Corinth from the East Window of Cox’s Hotel. Newspaper clipping:

Confederates at Gettysburg.



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Extracts from an Address Widely Published



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(Continued from page previous) At Ripley it seems the two Generals planned to attack Corinth, take it + then push on to join Gen. Bragg in KY. Accordingly they started + moved north to Pocahontas which is 20m N.W. of Corinth, so as to come in on what they supposed was the undefended side of town. Oct 2nd they were at Pocahontas on the M+C R.R. + on the 3rd day arrived at Chewalla. 10m N.W. of Corinth on the M+C R.R. Here they met a brigade of U.S. Troops, Oliver’s Brig. Of McKean’s Div. – Deployed as skirmishers, a sharp skirmish fight followed. McArthur’s Brig of McKean’s Div. came up to support Oliver, but not to make a real fight – only to fall back slowly + develop the enemy’s strength – finally about 10 A.M. Oct 3rd Lovell’s Div of Price’s army came up to the old Confederate breastworks + met Davis’ Div there. The old 2nd McKean’s sharp fighting followed + at night the U.S. troops moved back to town + formed lines along the new forts Robinette, Richardson, Powell, Madison, Williams + Phillips – there was very little firing at night.


Oct 4th about 4:30 the C.S. began the fight from 3 batteries, 14 guns, shelling the town furiously. At 10, Price assaulted the U.S. right + failed to carry it. At 10:30 Van Dorn assaulted the center (Herbert’s Div. comm’d by Col (???) + failed to carry it. There they both retreated to Chewalla – Pocahontas + back to Ripley. Such was the battle of Corinth. To return to my diary-


Sept 23rd Tuesday, we hear that Price has been badly beaten at Iuka – that all his supply trains have been captured.


Sep 24th – Wednesday – Our four companies return today. They engaged in the fight at Iuka as sharpshooters picking off artillery men.


Sep 25th Thursday - Everyone is busy today three forts on the NW of town are being rapidly thrown up with light connecting breastworks – the heaviest timber is also being cut away out N.E.



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Visit to Rebel Camp at Iuka Sep 25


Today Col Burke, Dr. Pogue, + some other officers are to go on the camp to Iuka on some business connected with the rebel prisoners there. I obtain permission to go along. Several Confederate officers are on the train + in the car with us, among them, Maj. Boud (taken prisoner Oct 3rd by…) of St. Louis, Medical Director on Gen Price’s staff. He is charged with looking after the welfare of the rebel prisoners, wounded +c there in our hands. Most of these officers have very good uniforms. They are not all prisoners, but some are in our lines by permission to look after their sick +c. They chat + drink + smoke with the U.S. officers with the greatest freedom + good nature. I think prisoners are also being paroled + exchanged at Iuka.


Arrived at Iuka + with nothing to do all day – I strolled over the battleground – went into the parolled prisoners camps – it looked as if there might by 3 or 400 of them, dressed in gray + butternut jeans – not very soldierly looking, but able everyone of them to shoot a gun with deadly affect.


They were all eager to talk + ask what the war was about + what ‘we uns’ was down thar fighting them on their own soil for + c. They seemed to have great hopes of ultimate success, but allowed it was mighty hard getting on. The Yankees had so many men + plenty of guns + grub. The right or wrong of the matter was not referred to much. It was the likelihood of getting the war over without many more battles. Most of there men were young + middle aged – not very intelligent or good looking. They were thin + brown + stood round shouldered + bent over, generally with their hands in their breeches pockets + all chewing tobacco. They worse jackets mostly + felt hats of all (???) + (???)



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Movements Around Corinth. Sep 26th 1862


Sept 26th 1862 Friday


Gen Grant moves his hdqrs. to Jackson, Tenn. 58 m North on the M+ O R.R. + Gen Rosecrans takes command at Corinth of the Army of the Miss. + the army of the West Tenn….Our Old 2nd Div is here com’d by Gen Thos. A. Davies, our regt is assigned to Oglesby’s Brigade, but is reported as unattached. Gen McKean also has a div here – the 5th army of west Tenn. Gen D.S. Stanley had a div out toward Rienze – the 2nd Div a Miss + Gen C.S. Hamilton 1 Div the 3d of A Miss. Out that way, all under Command of Gen. W.S. Rosecrans today – about 18 or 19,000 men.


Of our old army of the Tenn – the Shiloh Army – Gen Sherman was at Memphis with two Divs. Gen Hurlbut was at Bolivar with one Div. Gen McClernand – Gen Lew Wallace – at Memphis. Two new Div. commanders had come in, Gen. McPherson at Jackson – 1 div. Gen. E.O.C. Ord at Grand Junction + Bolivar – 1 div- Gen Jno. A. Logan + 6 regts at Jackson. Gen Grant commanded the Dept of Miss. From HdQrs. Jackson, Tenn.


Newspaper Clipping

The Wis. Eagle – a romantic story of a historic bird. Captioned below: saw the Eagle Oct 3 1862 at Battle of Corinth


Sep 27th Saturday


Stanley + Hamilton’s Divisions coming into town today from Rienze. They go out Northeast.


Sep 29 – Monday. Breastworks nearing (completion)…


Sept 30 – Tuesday. Troops getting in place in br…


Dr. Pogue called home by his wife’s sickness + death.


Oct 1st Wednesday Rumors that Price will attack either Corinth or Bolivar


Oct 2nd Thursday – We look for an attack from the Northwest. Troops (shelled)


Oct 3rd –Friday. Battle of Corinth, Miss Oct 3rd + 4th 1862. 17yrs 3 mos. 28 days old.


Today it seems certain that there will be an attack upon town. In fact, about breakfast time we heard firing out on the Chewalla road N.W. of town. It was not very heavy firing + did not create much of any excitement. Troops are moving quietly



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(Continued from page previous) into line out beyond Robinette + batteries going into position. Our Div. is out to the left of the M+D R.R. + up to the old C.S. breastworks. Our regiment remains on duty in camp + in town. The 8th Wis. With their celebrated Eagle halt in the road by the Hospital + I went out to see them + their bird – by 10 A.M. the musketry fire is continuous + heavy + appears to be advancing toward the town on the Chewalla road. All of our Div. except our reg. is engaged. Gen. Oglesby com’dr of our brigade is reported to be killed (he was seriously wounded). By 11 A.M. the lines have fallen back toward town + the firing is very close. Not very much artillery is in use. The day is very hot. I walked out toward the fight about noon. The lines were not usable from (???) owing to the slight ridge and brush. Over beyond this some half mile the lines were engaged. Wagons + ambulances toil to + fro, slowly between the lines + town. The old confederate works were nearly 3 miles from town + our div + McKean’s – the only two engaged had fallen back fully 2 miles from their position at 9 A.M. I did not go out far enough to see anything of the fight itself. About 4 P.M. the firing slacked up somewhat + shortly after we could see our lines, forming in a new position not half a mile from town. Orders came for our regiment to drop its guard duties + report in front of Davies new position. A number of recruits had joined us recently (among them a 5 fingered man) + the regiment was quite full. The men in good condition + nicely uniformed. It formed as for a dress parade, drums + all – the adjutant reported



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(Continued from page previous) the regt. formed to Col Burke (Col Burke was post commander at Corinth) who mounted on a powerful black horse then took command, gave the order, “right face” – “in 4 ranks, march” “Forward, file right – march –“ The band struck up lively – the colors spread out in the setting sun + the men moved out. Arriving at Davies line of battle a way was opened + the regt. marched on out + over a cleared patch of ground to the left of Purdy road. It was a grand sight + the Div. hailed our boys as they moved on. A little way out beyond the line the regt. halted. The band was silenced – the colors turned + a reverse established. Skirmishers were then detailed as pickets + sent out on the right + left to push their way until they struck the enemy pickets. When they were to halt + watch through the night, but not to bring on firing.


We got our ambulance out – filled up the medicine chest with bandages – torniquets – (???) whiskey – water - +c +c - + went out to the regiments reserves. There Dr. Vogel + Bob stayed with the ambulance + teamster overnight. While the Hosp. Steward + myself returned to the Hosp. house in town or just on the far edge of town.


Our skirmishers went out until they could see the camp fires of the enemy + even overhear talking in Price’s camp.


Oct 4th 1862 – Saturday


Returning from the regiment after dark I laid down on a small canvass cot in the Hosp + went to sleep. About 4 in the morning everyone was awakened by the crash of shell. Spring up + go out – looking over toward the left front we see the flash of artillery + the next instant there is a burst of shell. The fring is very rapid. 6 guns are at work. (in red ink) 14 guns in all, 3 batteries according to prices report. Torbin’s, Sengstak, + McNally 600 yrds (???) town. The flash of bursting shell is seen here + there + all over the town. (they were 200 yards in front of Robinette). I ran out



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(Continued from previous page) to the M+C R.R. which passes a couple or three rods in front of the hospital + climb the embankment about 3 ft high here to listen. Between the cannon shots I can hear the sharp clear ring of the sharpshooters rifles + know that our regt. is at work – meanwhile shell burst over + around us uncomfortably near. One struck a rail on the track + made the iron ring loudly. Some pieces of shell struck the house + cut out pieces from our tents. We get our wagon team hitched up + the medicine wagon team. A whizzing piece glanced + hit one of our horses making him dance for a moment. By this time our batteries began slowly to reply. A 32th shot went from Robinette + one from the some field battery. Seeing a dark mess of moving objects on the Ripley road running out of town under the M+O track + past the corner of our Hosp. House. I went over to it + found it was a lot of sick men + nurses who had been kept at the Tishomingo Hotel used for a hospital- They said a shell had hit the building + passed through it knocking bricks down upon them + that they had been ordered to go out on the Ripley Road to the creek + camp. I found this was likely to ve the general rendezvous for the sick + so went in to our Hosp. + got our sick men started out after (???) all who could walk – We sent our medicine wagon + Hosp. Team away there also for safety. The house was now clear + ready for the wounded. The heavy guns in Battery Williams + Robinette were now fairly at work on the rebel battery. A few shots were fired out of Battery Madison just behind our Hosp. Which silenced the rebels.


Loose paper
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Clipping of an image titled: A Rebel Shell Bursting in a Union Hospital to which it Is below captioned as followed: “On the second day of the fight (Corinth) to her horror her hospital came within range of the enemy’s artillery and the fearful missiles of death fell with fatal precision among her “helpless men”


Copyright of image is 1887, it is engraved by J.J. Cede, New York and it is published by A.D. Worthington & Co. Publishers, Hartford, Conn.



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Battle of Corinth Oct 4, 1862 Saturday


At daylight there is a comparative quiet – the reserves appear to be moving forward somewhat. Presently about half past 8- the Sharpshooters rifles ring out again (The 7 Iowa Infy. Came out a few moments to support the Sharpshooters , see Col. Sweeny Report) Slowly at first + as if with caution – then rapid + even furious. The ‘Johnnies’ are “feeling” us by a strong skirmish line + our men are holding them steady. Presently, a little after 9 A.M. the confederate line thickens + strengthens + pushes forward with energy. The sharpshooters assisted by infantry skirmishers (the 64 Ills, Yates S.S. on out left.) held them back. But about 10 o’clock are obliged to give way + fall back, leaving 6 of their number dead on the field + 14 wounded among them our (5) fingered recruit. Col. Sweeny com’d Brig says – ‘Col Burke’s regt. fought like Heroes + disputed, every inch of ground as they fell back on my position.” Vide Records, Series I. Vol XVII p 274. Our infantry are all in line + Sharpshooters retreat behind them. The rebel line comes forward a solid mass. The infantry opens + the guns in Batty. Richardson pour out grape/ Shot from Robinette sweeps down enfilading the rebel line. The firing is very heavy + deadly, but the rebel line is remorselessly urged on. It becomes broken, but converges toward Batty. Richardson- Our division without protection being outside the little line of Breastworks began here yesterday + even now negroes are digging us a ditch to the right of Richardson (Powell) – So being pressed a part of the Div. a little left of Bat. Richardson, wavers + falls. This opens a way through + a column of rebels penetrates + pushes on unto town. Firing along the streets + go as far as where some reserve artillery are parked. A temporary confusion results. Teamsters + now Combatants in the rear take to flight + run a quarter of a mile or so, but this is checked by a few cavalrymen swinging sabers + carbines. Davies entire div. falls back beyond Battery Richardson + the rebels get into the battery + the lines, but not to stay. A few rods back



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(Continues from page previous) battery the ground sloped down into a valley or ravine, in which a few short trees were left growing. Here the 56th Ills. Infy lay in reserve. This regt. sprang up –delivered a volley at the rebels in the batty. Fixed bayonets + with a yell charged the rebel line. Some of Hamilton’s reserves came up + in an instant the rebels turned + fled. The entire federal line was restored. Battery Chapman or Madison as sometimes called on the hill back of our Hosp. House opens with 32 pounder guns on the rebel line + Price’s assault on our right fails + turns into a retreat. Our right wing is now through. The fire lulls a little as Price falls back. Then it is renewed on the center + breaks out furiously toward Robinette. I got up on the R.R. bank to look + saw great masses of rebel troops moving up toward Robinette. They came out on the Chewalla road – formed + rushed us. One assault had already (???) made, but a more determined one was now made. Robinette guns flashed out – the Infantry there poured in their fire + in the smoke + smudge which arose one could see nothing distinctly. The rebel yell, yelped constantly through the musketry fire + the heavy guns. The enemy seemed to be working in + getting close to Robinette. The gunmen at Battery Richardson got their guns ready to fire at Robinette if the Confederates got into it. And it seems as if they will get in. There is their flag, above the smoke it flies out a moment or two + then is gone. And now we can see blue coats hurrying up. A regiment (two regiments, the 11th Mo + 27th Ohio) is moving up from the low ground toward the…



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Map of Van Dorn’s Retreat after Battle of Corinth


(Annotations transcribed running top to bottom, left to right)


Big Hatchie River – flowing N.W. to empty into Mississippi at Ft. Pillow above Memphis


(in red ink) Gen. Hurlbut’s Div. of Ord’s command marching down from Bolivar + Oct 5th strikes retreating Van Dorn. Oct 5 near or at Hatchie River joining with Rosecrans capturing 8 cannons several hundred small arms + prisoners.


Nov 4, 1862 – Grant started from Bolivar + Jacinto towards Van Dorn at Holly Springs, Miss. Nov 28th he moved from La Grange on 29 entered Holly Springs. Van Dorn retreated to Tallahatchie river + fortified, Dec 1 Gen Hovey + 7000 men from Ak. Moved east to co-operate with Grant + Van Dorm moved to Oxford. Dec- Grant occupied Oxford – Van Dorn fell back nearly to Jackson, Miss + Hovey returned to Helena Ark. Van Dorn there sent his cavalry round Grant’s rear to Holly Springs + captured the garrison + destroyed $2,000,000 worth of stores. Dec. 20 1862.


Grant then fell back to Holly Springs + from there began (???) against Vicksburg– the rebel forces were there gathered for defense of Vicksburg.


(In purple ink) after the battle of Iuka, Sept 19. 1862, Price + Van Dorn collected their forces at Ripley, + moved up to Chewalla, Oct 1 to attack Corinth from the N.W. Price, Van Dorn, Villipiquel + Lovell commanded the C.S. forces in Northern Mississippi, while Bragg confronted by Buell commanded C.S. forces in Ky.


After Van Dorn + Price’s defeat at Corinth – Van Dorn was succeeded in general command by Lieut. Gen Jno. C. Pemberton. Had HdQrs at Jackson(ville). Van Dorn retained (???)



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(Continued from Previous Page)


Battery – They begin to fire + a cheer comes ringing over to us. Van Dorn’s assault on the Center has failed. The smoke lifts. We can see the reddish gray mass of men disappearing up the Chewalla road + off into the woods with blue coats after them. There is some pursuit. Groups of prisoners appear, 20, 30, 50 + in one case a regiment guarded by a few soldiers. The Sharpshooters being rested are first in the pursuit + bring us in a fair share of prisoners – 78 in number. See Reports Series I Vol XVII p 261. The S.S. are not permitted to go out far + by 4 o’clock pm have resumed their duties in town as Provost guard.


What now of the Hospital?


Having emptied in the morning, all available room is made for the wounded about 10 a.m. I went back to where our sick men + wagons were + found all well there. Returning about noon + seeing the confusion + stampede in the rear produced by the breaking of Davies Line.


At our Hosp. House the wounded were already in. Dr. Vogel had come in with an ambulance load + Bob Powders had gone out to the line for more. The hosp was open for any wounded men, but our own men knowing where it was naturally got to it if they could walk, or be bought to us. Yes we had men in from several regiments + some few wounded Confederates. During Price’s charge the bullets rattled against the sides of the house, unpleasantly. But none penetrated to do damage. The S.S. had 6 K (Col Burke’s horse rec’d 7 bullets) + 14 W. Our Men’s wounds were not as a rule so terrible this time. I think they did not have as good ammunition as we. I remember a rebel private shot through + through the hips – the ball making a horrible hole through bones, bladder, + entrails, but not killing him. He suffered great agony + begged for chloroform. I gave him a rag + a bottle of Chloroform + left him on a cot in the corner of the Hosp. In the morning I looked at him. He was dead, with the chloroformed rag at his mouth.



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Corinth Battle Ground Oct 5, 1862


October 5th Sunday –


Having got all our wounded dressed + comfortable, I took a walk over the battlefield. It did not present the extended… + town appearance of the Shiloh field – yet in spots the rebel (dead) were thicker. In front of Battery Robinette, where Col. Rodger’s led the charge were heaps of dead. I saw Col. Rodgers himself where he lay tumbled in the dust + 3 others so close to him that they touched each other. He was just outside the edge of the moat around the battery. All around here the dead were thick + back into the brush + (???) out of which they struggled to the rush on the battery. I should think there were 600 dead in this neighborhood.


On the right at Battery Richardson, where Price assaulted, the carnage was equally great. I saw rebel dead…The moat around outside the Breastworks + in the embrace of the Battery + many inside the works – but none (more) than 2 rods inside + I do not think they got away (from) ther before the line turned + retreated.


I saw two men about the same age. Young + dressed alike – lying between two stumps inside Battery Richardson, both dead + fast clasped in each other’s embrace. I thought perhaps they might be brothers.


Out toward the woods where they formed for the (charge) there were very many dead + as at Shiloh, many breathing, but unconscious. One man beside the roat attracted the attention of many. A shell had passed just across



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(Continued from page previous) his forehead, taking off the nose + out the eyes – also carrying away the skin to the skull. Whether the skull was broken I do not know – He was delirious + lay on his back. The dust from the road had settled over his face + with the blood made cakes and mats of reddish-yellow messes. The flies were thick around him + his wound. The hot sun beat down upon him. His neck + stomach were swollen + his teeth dry + tongue cracked + mouth drawn.


We could not give him water – it only strangled him. He seemed to think himself in camp, but for some reason unable to get up. (Ever) + (???) he feebly stretched up a trembling hand + a moan came for him, which would sometimes shape itself into words – “help me boys” “Why don’t you help me up Jim” – “O Jim, come here” – some tried to speak to him, but he did not hear. Some tried to help him + take his hand. It did no good. Some spread a blanket over him, but the tremulous hands pulled it off as they worked up.


It made ones heart ache to see + hear him + it was a relief to know that he was unconscious + could not feel his pain.


Further on we saw a house near which a C.S. Battery had been posted. Some of the runs were dismounted + carriages broken. In a corner of the yard there was a heap of 8 or 10 dead men. They had been killed some time for they were swollen, black + horrible. Maggots crawled in mouths, nose + eyes – (hens) were around picking at them + back of the old stable the hogs had nearly eaten up three or four bodies of men. Many dead were never found. Skeletons were found on stretchers in the woods (months) afterward. Horses were killed at an unusual rate in this battle. The weather is very hot + large burial parties are out. Burying the dead and burning the horses. The smoke sickens one. We are clad to go to camp.



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Provost Guard Duty in Corinth


Oct 5th 1862 Monday –


Returned to our provost guard work in Corinth. We saw nothing of the pursuit of Price. A division under McPherson came into Corinth from Jackson + there seems to be plenty of troops here now. McPherson’s troops stayed out yesterday on the Chewalla road. Stanley’s Div. + Davies followed him as supports. McKean started out also for Pocahontas south of Chewalla + Hamilton’s Div. followed as his supports. Price went onto Pocahontas where as he was crossing the Hatchie river he was attacked by Gen. Hurlbut with his Div. from Bolivar + badly whipped.


Price however got away so as to push on to Ripley. At which point the pursuit was stopped + our troops returned to their respectful places. Price + Van Dorn there occupied Ripley, Holly Springs + …



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Gen Davies Div. was placed in reserve for Oct. 4. Position east of town, which was taken by midnight. + hence the Div. was ordered into position N.W. of town, in low breastworks, facing Purdy road + crossing it to within 250 yards of M+O R.R. having ½ mile front. The creek was 350 yards in front. Hamilton’s Div. was on the right of Davies.


Davies Div. had 2,283 men + 11 guns.


Col. DuBoise – 1 Brig. 713 men


Col. Sweeny – 1 Brig. 936 “


Col. Morsey 1 Brig 634


12th Ill + 81 Ohio


In reserve


Map of the battle of Corinth Oct 3 + 4 1862

Annotated with troop positions.


-Newspaper Clipping


Regarding the idea of a regiment of mounted riflemen.


Also an article about how most soldiers did not shoot well



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-Detailed map of Corinth-



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Relieved from Provost Duty Oct 8


Oct 7th Tuesday 1862


The results of the battle of Corinth are the holding of our line in North Miss. + the prevention of the Army of Price + Van Dorn getting to Bragg –


The U.S. Troops lost 355 killed – 1841 wounded – 324 missing


The C.S. lost – 1423 killed – prob. 5000 wounded. 2268 in prisoners.


The U.S. troops captured 2,300 muskets, 14 colors + 2 guns at the Hatchie river 8 more.


Oct 8th Wednesday. Dr. Pogue returns to the regt. today. Our wounded are all sent to the general hospitals at the college or back on the creek or North. (In red ink) Battle of Perryville, Buell intercepted Braggs invasion of Kentucky + game him a severe hauling there


Oct 9th Thursday – Hot. Hospital emptied of wounded fills up with sick men.


Oct 10th Friday – Since Gen Oglesbys wound. Col. Mersey of the 9th Ill has com’d of the Brigade.


Oct 11th Saturday – The regiment is relieved from Provost duty.


Oct 12th Sunday – The Brigade sent to Rienzi on the M+O R.R. 18 m. south of Corinth. The Hospital is to remain at the house in Corinth. Dr. Vogel + Mr. Rosebury, the Hosp. Steward go with the regt. Dr. Pogue, Bob, + myself – with Charley the cook remain with Hosp.


Oct 13th Monday – Regiment + brigade go into quarters at Rienzi + subsit for some time by foraging.


(In red ink) Nov 4th Grant moved his HdQrs from Jackson to LaGrange, Miss + began Sherman’s movement against Vicksburg, VA via the Yazoo River.


Oct 14th Tues. On to Dec 1st 1862 – The Regiment (Brigade) at Rienzi – 350 strong. With 7 (???) Cav. 2nd IA + 6th Ill com’d by Col. Aug. Mersey. As an Outpost for Corinth – Routine camp life. Often rainy + raw with mud + discomfort. Health of Reg. very good. (17 yrs. 5 mos old).


During December 1862 the Brigade broke up its camp at Rienzi + all returned to Corinth except the Sharpshooters + 5 companies of the 5th Ohio Cavalry comd. By Capt Joseph C. Smith. Who were halted on a hill just north of the Tuscumbia River, 7 miles south of Corinth where we were to from camp.


(In Red ink, running along the left side of the page) Oct 30th – Rosencranz relieved Buell + changed name of army from Ohio to Cumberland.


Nov 5th – Burnsides supersedes McClellan as commander of army of Potomac.


Nov. 9th Banks Supersedes Butler in command of army of the Gulf.


Nov 27. Guerillas 20,000 defeated by 10,000 federals at Boston Mt. Mo.


Dec. 20th 1862 – Holly Springs + supplies burned by Van Dorn + the movement on Vicksburg stopped.



Page 38

-Map of Camp by Tuscumbia River-


Nov. 13th – 1862 Thursday – While the regiment was encamped at Rienzi, I received my descriptive (???) signed by Ensign Conklin of Co. C. W.S.S. 14 MO (???)


Map captioned below: Camped here from Dec. 20th 1862 to Nov 1. 1863 11 mos + 20 days.


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