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Regiment: 15th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Charles S. Hamilton, James B. McPherson, John M. Oliver, John McArthur, Marcellus M. Crocker, Thomas J. McKean, William T. Sherman
Col
Advance to the
open fields over looking
the Chewalla bottom
I am here. and will
send my cavalry down
to Chewalla. Keep the
same order of advance
keeping flankers out
picking up stragglers
thru Brigades encamped
here and left at 10
O. C. A.M. Viz.
[ ? ]
[ ? ] and
[ ? ]
[ ? ] thing is clear
advance rapidly
J McArthur
Brig Genl
Col Oliver
Com 2 Brig
Col
I am now about
1 mile past the house
where burying parts
stopped, order Major
Reynolds forward to this
point you follow at
a respectful distance
say from ridge to ridge
keep flankers out
and instruct Reynolds
always to keep some
men on his right and
left. notify McKean
of your advance, I
wish to gain the bluffs
overlooking Chewalla
before night. I will leave
an orderly here to stop Reynolds
McArthur
Brig Gen
Col Oliver
Head Quarters McArthurs Division
Left Wing 13th Army Corps
Abbville Decb. 9th 1862
Dear Col
Your welcome letter was received
glad to hear from you, your old Regt.
was left at Grand Junction. I hope you will
get men enough to fill it up and get it
in good shape for the field again. I presume
it will be left where it is until that is
done. I expect I will have to leave another
Rgt. to guard the Bridge across the Tallahatchie
we are now buisily engaged repairing it and
expect to have it completed by Monday next
Col Deitzler led the advance to the river, driving
the enemy off after one days sharp skirmishing
Gen McKean’s division is in the rear. I hope again
to get the advance and will get it when
any fighting is to be done such has been
the future of the old 6
th heretofore.
My Illinois Col dont rank you unless he
succeeds in getting his star first hurry
up. I see by the Newspapers that Crocker has
been appointed. no official notice yet
however.
[ ? ] still commands the 2d
I contemplate making a change soon then
Doran has resigned and gone home, charges
being preferred first good for the 17
th
We are en-
camped at this one horse town and presume
will have to remain until the R. Rd is open
to receive our supplies. Gen Sherman left for
Memphis yesterday taking with him one division
leaving the other two who are assigned to Hamilton
and McPherson respectively. he takes command
of the Castor Oil expedition and I have every
confidence he will effect a passage of the Miss.
he gets ten days to get ready, when I expect
we will move on and attack the enemy at Jackson
while he attacks at Vicksburgh. we have taken
a great many prisoners. they come in daily especially
Kentucky and Tenn. troops, they take the oath of Allegiance
and go home, saying that they all mean to do
the same as fast as opportunity offers. Their state
now being in the Union they want to be too. they have
had enough of Secession, we have heard a good
deal about the impossibility of subjugating the South
‘Bosh’ the taking of their corn docs it effectually
I have never seen it so effectually portrayed as
in this expedition
Hurry back and help us give
them this last injection which will forever purge
the Miss. Valley of the canker worm of Secession
the weather here is beautifull I hope it will
continue for some time yet. write me again
soon. Capt. Dicken has been ordered to
[ ? ]
on acct. of his health. the Governor has
spoken very seldom of late, his last effort
being at Scott creek. I am glad you appreciate
the positions, I hope to dilute your star on your
return.
My regards to Mrs Oliver and
sis, tell her she must not keep you too
long. I hope you found them all well
truly your friend
McArthur
Gen McArthur
Dec 9′ 1862
