Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/oliver-john-m/
Regiment: 15th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned: Corinth, Mississippi; Shiloh, Tennessee
Historical Figures: Austin Blair, John M. Oliver
Head Quarters Right Wing,
Army of the Tenn. 15th Nov 1863
To His Excellency
The Govenor of Michigan
Sir.
Though personally un-
-acquainted with you I take the liberty of
addressing you on behalf of Col John M Oliver
15
th Regiment Mich Infty. Commdg 2d Brigade
6
th Division.
I have served with Col Oliver as Chief
of Staff 6
th Division from Early in April
to the 15
th of October 1863 and can testify
to his character as a Gentleman, his efficiency
and bravery as an Officer. and his Gallantry
and good conduct as a Soldier. At the Battle
of Shiloh, during the advance upon Corinth
and the three days fight at Corinth, when
he with his Brigade met the advance of
the enemy and held them at bay retiring
only when ordered, his men fighting des-
perately against five times their number.
No one speaks of his conduct at
that time but in terms of the highest praise
and were justice done a deserving officer his
promotion would be immediate
I take pleasure in offering what
influence I possess in behalf of the
interests of Col Oliver and hope it may
be in your power to secure for the sake of
the state and the men of Michigan a
position when his services would be more
generally useful. It would be gratifying
to his friends and all good soldiers under
his command to see Col Oliver among the
appointees earliest selected.
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
W. T. Clark
Maj. & AAGenl U.S.A.
