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Regiment: 15th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned: Corinth, Mississippi; Shiloh, Tennessee
Historical Figures: Alexander M. McCook , Benjamin M. Prentiss, Earl Van Dorn, John M. Oliver, Lorenzo Thomas, Marcellus M. Crocker , Sterling Price, Stephen A. Hurlbut
John’s recommendation for Brigade
Head Qrs Right Wing 15th Corps Dec 5th/62
Hon E. M Stanton Secretary of War
Washington D.C. Sir
I have the honor to rec
ommend Col Oliver 15
th Mich for promotion
my acquaintance with Col Oliver is limited
yet I met him upon the Battlefield of Shiloh
when he behaved with great gallantry and
did good execution under my own supervi
sion He is a gallant Soldier I am Respect
fully your obt servant A M D McCook Major
General Commanding
John M. Oliver
Head Quarters 4th Division
13th Army Corps August 2nd 1863
Sir,
I take great pleasure in recommending
Col John M. Oliver of the 15
th Michigan Vols
for appointment as Brigadier General
I have served in the field with Col Oliver
since the battle of Shiloh and had ample
opportunity to observe his deportment as
an officer in Camp and on the field of
battle. In camp he is careful, attentive and
industrious in the discharge of every duty
on the battle field he is have competent
and skilful. At the attack upon Corinth
by Van Dorn and Price he commanded
a Brigade with signal ability and success
and it was a matter of surprise to his
brother officers that he was not then pro
moted for his gallant services in that
action
Respectfully etc M. M. Crocker
Brig. Genl Comdg 4th Div
Brig Genl L. Thomas Head Quarters 15
th Army Corps
Adjutant Genl U.S.A. Memphis Tennessee
Washington, D.C. General! 5
th June 1863
I enclose you the papers and
report of investigation in the case of Col Oliver.
The remarks of Lieut Williamson A.D.C. are just
as to the mutinous opposition of the officers
named to the Colonel, but unjust so far as they
ansure Col Oliver for going on board the boat
in the evening of the first day of Shiloh Battle.
It is within my personal knowledge that Col
Oliver did his duty at that battle, after the
Division of Genl Prentiss was broken up on Sun
day the 13
th Michigan joined my Division &
whatever may have been the conduct of
officers and men. I know that Col Oliver
behaved gallantley on Sunday under my
wwn eye and on Monday the official
Report of Genl McCook since show how he conduc
ted himself, to which I ask reference, I am
perfectly assured that this whole proceeding
is the work of men who left the service as
incompetent and unworthy, to annoy and
injure an officer of standing and character
enough to compel obedience in his com
mand or to expel the disobedient. The
[ ? ]
in realtion to Col Oliver being on board the
Steamer Sunday night as stated by him I
full believe & recommend that the accusation
be dismissed, or that the a
[ ? ] find
some responsible officer to preform
regular charged, very Respectfully your
obt Servant
(signed) S. A Hurlburt
H.Q. 16 Army Corp Major General
Memphis Tenn 5, June 1863
“official Copy” Henry Berimore AAG “Copy”
War Department
Adjutant General Office
Washington DC June 13 1863
Major General S. A Hurlburt commanding
15
th Army Corps Memphis Tennessee
General I have respectfully to acknowl
edge the receipt of your report in the care
of John M Oliver 15
th Michigan Volunteers
dated June 4
th and to notify you that the
same is approved by the Secretary of War
I am General very Respectfully your Obe
dient servant
(Signed) Thomas Vincent
Assistant Adjutant General
