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Regiment: 15th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned: Corinth, Mississippi; Shiloh, Tennessee
Historical Figures: James B. McPherson , John M. Oliver, John McArthur, Thomas J. McKean, William S. Rosecrans
Head Quarters 2nd Brigade 6” Division
Camp Near Corinth Miss Oct 13” 1862
Capt I Bates Dickson
A A Gen’l 6” Div.
Sir.
I have the honor to report the
part taken by the 2
nd Brigade of your division in the
series of operations between Chewalla and Corinth. At
the Battle of Corinth and the pursuit of the enemy
to Ripley. The Division being at first under command
of Brig. Gen’l McKean and afterwards under command
of Brig Genl. McArthur. I had made a report
embracing as concisely as possible the whole of its
operations and submit the same report to both of
those officers.
According to orders from your Head
Quarters on Wednesday 2 o’clk P.M. Oct 1
st 1862
I ordered out the 14” & 18” Wis Volunteers who were busily engaged
moving their Camps and who had on that day furnished
the grand guard for nearly our whole front. The
officers and men fell promptly into line and we
marched to Chewalla. At Alexander’s Cross Roads,
Capt Maunchers 1
st Minn. Battery reported to me. I retained
two twelve pound Howitzers, deeming that was all
I could use to effect, and ordered the balance of
the Battery back. I reached the heights above Chewalla
just before dark, and formed junction with 15 Mich.
Vols a Regiment of my Brigade that was guarding that
point, in connection with one company of Independent
Illinois Cavalry. Capt Ford Comd’g who reported that their
pickets had been fired upon and that the enemy were
advancing in force. I accordingly placed my men
in position. Commanding both roads to Tuscumbia bottoms
and at once ordered out “B” Co. 14” Regt Wis Vols. under Capt Worden
as skirmishers with orders to feel vigorously for the enemy in the road
and woods South of Chewalla the direction from which they were
supposed to be advancing. At the same time I pushed forward
a scouting party on the Bolivar road, and found such indications
of the enemy from the Cavalry reports as to induce me to change
front. I then formed the 14” & 18” Regt. Wis. Vols. in line of battle supporting
the two guns. Which commanded the Bolivar road and the open field
in front. Six companies of the 15” Regt. Mich Vols. on the left
of the line were so retired as to command the road running
South to Tuscumbia bottoms. Four companies of the 15” Mich Vols
and two companies of the 18” Wis. Vols. were posted as pickets
around our entire line under the supervision of Major Jackson
of the 18” Wis. Vols. and Capt. John Q. Adams 15” Mich. Vols. and all
the former line of pickets were ordered in. The idea of the Cavalry
and Infantry at Chewalla seemed to be that the enemy were
entirely on the road towards Rossuth, we therefore at daybreak
the next morning Oct 2
nd 1862 I
[ ? ] as far as the river but found
nothing. And destroyed the bridge, I also pushed a reconnoisance
starting at daybreak with 20 Cavalry nearly to Youngs bridge on the Bolivar
road. Major Jackson of the 18” Wis Vols taking charge of the party, two
miles out on this road some Cavalry were seen which retired. About
one mile farther on they saw quite a large body of Cavalry. Not
having the force to engage them, according to orders returned
and reported what they had seen. One mile and a half in our rear
towards Corinth an old road from Rossuth, forks into the Chewalla
road, I sent 20 Cavalry down that road the same morning under com-
mand of Lt. King to guard against being flanked by a force
coming up that road. They returned about 8 o’clk A.M.
I then entirely withdrew my Infantry pickets from towards
Rossuth leaving only the Cavalry well out; Sent
the ambulances and baggage to the rear
and pushed a force of 20
Infantry to the R.R. and to the north of the road on the bottoms
drove in what appeared to be Cavalry
[ ? ] but soon met
with such vigorous resistance that we were driven back
having two men wounded. According to your order, I
then made dispositions to retire to the forks of the roads before
spoken of. Not at that time thinking that you desired me to
retire as far back as the Cross Roads at Alexanders, sent
the artillery and two regiments to take position, reser=
ving one regiment as rear guard to support the
skirmishers who were ordered to dispute the entire
ground between the two points. Lieut Jas. F. Adams
commanding company “F” 15” Mich. Vols. were deployed
as skirmishers on the hill near Chewalla, they were
attacked and driven off by a strong force of the
enemy. At the edge of the woods on the next hill
they were joined by Capt. Jaguith Co. “E” same Regt.
who had with him a squad of pickets. Forming
they charged across the open space to the old house by
Busbies driving the enemy before them. At this point
they could see a line of Battle and one piece of
artillery brought to the front against them. When
according to my order they slowly retired. At this
time I received telegram from the General Commanding
and your order to fall back to Alexanders Cross roads
three miles nearer Corinth, Which I did in excell-
ent order, placing my Howitzers in position and
getting my lines formed so as to thoroughly command
the road. My rear guard had a continued skir=
mish with the enemy up to within 2 miles of Alexanders
Cross roads. When they held their ground. I then
put out a strong body of pickets on all approaches
they were excellently posted and held by Lieut. Colonel
Ward 14: Wis. Vols. Sent both Cavalry and Infantry
to the Charleston and Memphis Rail Road with
orders to Scout up the road as far as possible, and
to examine carefully for any evidences of bodies of the
enemy having crossed the Railroad; from them
I received information that the enemy were passing down
the R. R. and across it about 4” miles up, which
I at once communicated. The 18” Wisconsin Colonel
Bouck commanding were then sent over to Smith bridge
to guard it, and I assumed the authority of ordering
them to destroy it if pressed and to retire to Corinth by
the Smith bridge road disputing their way. The pickets
on my front and left were undisturbed during the night,
but those on the R.R. and a party that I had again
sent the road, reported bodies of men pouring on
and across the R.R. track. I was anxious to cross
Cane Creek bottom with my Howitzers. and get
them in a position which we could hold on the
brow of the hill beyond the R.R. as at that point we
would have good range for guns. and they could
not peace any artillery at short range to damage
us. During the night the 16” Wis: Regt. Major
Reynolds Com’d’g came up on the road to the bottom
and detached two companies to assist our skirmishers,
they did good service. Brig. Genl McArthur came
out with them. and in company with him I rode
around the pickets. The 16” Wis: in obedience to orders
returned at daylight to their old camp. About an
hour and a half after they left our skirmishers again
became engaged; the enemy’s force being much stronger
they were driven in; obstinately contesting the ground;
When the enemy came within some 500 yards of our guns.
I advanced the 14” Regt Wis: Vols. Col Hancock they in
connection with the Howitzers drove them back smartly. At
this time I received your dispatch to retire across Cane
Creek if I could. I then sent word to Col Bouck
18” Regt Wis. Vols. to retire by the Smith bridge road
ordered the skirmishers to maintain their deployments
and to retire slowly when the firing of the Howitzers
should cease. One Howitzers became disabled, it
seems the axle had cracked at Shiloh, and been
banded, the recoil had again broken it. I then sent
to the rear the caissons of both pieces, attached the
Prolongue to the disabled piece and drew it as far
as the creek. When the rope breaking the piece was
spiked and rolled into the water. 15” of the Cavalry
were sent
after for axes to the wagons for axes.
After I had passed over the bridge, the two reg=
ments and the remaining gun which had kept firing
with great apparent effect. The skirmishers held the
ground, while the cavalry destroyed the bridge,
also felling a tree over the crossing at the side, the
skirmishers then retired to the open ground across the
bottom covering themselves with what they would. I then
took position on the hill north of the R.R. which was
a strong one and easy to hold against anything
but an overwhelming force, though my orders were
to fall back Genl McArthur coming up ordered me
to hold the position at all hazards, and was kind
enough to ride back for reinforcements to prevent my
being flanked. I then had only some 500 men, one
Howitzer, and one James rifled gun six pounder.
Which had been sent to replace the disabled piece.
Skirmishers were relieved by others who covered our flanks
and front. Skirmishers of some other command on our
left were retired even back of our main line. We
then commenced shelling the opposite hill and the
destroyed bridge, to prevent if possible its being
rebuilt; in about 15 minutes our skirmishers were
again busily engaged and soon the fire became general,
the men were protected by the cress of the hill, in this way
under a terrible fire, we held the ground for over
two hours. The 16” Regt. Wis. Major Reynolds Com’d’g
the 21
st Regt Mo. Vols. Col. Moore Com’d’g arrived and were formed
in line of battle on our left the order was then given to cease
firing as we had driven the enemy across the R.R. and
up the opposite hill, with great slaughter, and terrible effect,
scattering them like sheep. Three companies of the 16” Regt
Wis. Vols. were sent to the front to feel for the enemy in the
dense woods on our right but almost immediately came
back of our lines. Colonel Baldwins Brigade of Genl Davies
Division sent to reinforce us came up in fine order, and
at once two Regiments were formed in line upon our left
and one upon our right. While Col Baldwin was getting
into position. Genl. McArthur came up and directed
the movements; Col Baldwin then threw our skirmishers
who could not have advanced over 100 or 150 yards before
they fell back rapidly to their own lines, reporting lines
of Battle against them. With the tried and steady
15” Mich Vols. and 14” Wis Vols we successfully continued to hold our
ground, although suffering severe loss until
the troops both on my right and left being convinced
that they were flanked broke. I then ordered my two
pieces to the rear, and retired in good order
My command being increased to twice its numbers
by those of regiments who had crowded between the,;
twice we tried to rally and make a stand, but with
the exception of my own line and the 7” Illinois. Vols.
we were unable to do so. I accordingly commenced falling
back to your Division near Battery F. When we came near
the rear of the camp of the 17” Regt. Wis. Vols. I met that Regt
coming to the front in good order. Col Doran said he
was ordered to report to Genl McArthur or myself not
seeing Genl McArthur I ordered him to form in
line of Battle fronting to the North West so that we could
form in rear of and support him. Genl McArthur
then came up and took charge of the 17” & 16 Regts Wis
& 21
st Mo. Vols, and ordered me to retire with my com=
mand to you near Battery F, which I did reported
and took position as ordered and when ordered back
to town the regiments of my Brigade were properly in line,
and the ranks fuller than could hardly have been
expected from us, soon after arriving the 1
st & 2
nd Brigades
were placed under Genl McArthur and crossed to the
North of Genl Rosecrans Head Quarters formed
into line and remained until morning when we
were marched to rear of Seminary Building changed front
formed columns of attack, took position n Support
of Batteries and held them. My men were muched
exhausted by fatigue having been engaged since
Tuesday in marching and continued skirmishing
with the enemy, Saturday afternoon and evening we
rested. I as ordered by you on Sunday morning
at 2 o’clk again marched my four Regiments worn and
wearied with four days continued conflict, with 16” &
17” Wis Vols. and 21
st Mo. Vols. & 10” Ohio Battery added to
my command to reinforce Genl McArthur who had
pushed a reconnoisance to Alexanders Cross Roads, with
orders to assist him in the pursuit of the enemy. We reported to
Genl McArthur at Alexanders Cross roads. At day break took the advance of the pursuit
until near Chewalla, when we were met by a flag of truce and detained, at
Chewalla Genl McPherson taking the advance.
We followed and supported him the whole of the way
to Ripley. Men and officers cheerfully and vigorously
following the retreating foe, promply and readily making
disposition for Combat when occasion seemed to demand.
I would call your attention to the death of Capt Vaughn
14” Regt. Wis. Vols, who fell at the end of the old line of the
enemy’s breast works. nobly supported by Capt. Harrison
of same Regt. they steadily held the party of skirmishers
on our right and front at the foot of the hill when
we had such a long and fierce a fight on Friday.
Capt Harrison lost a leg. Capt Vaughn gave his
life for his country. 1
st Lieut Saml. A. Tinkham
“B” Co. 14” Wis. Vols. promoted for mertorious conduct
at Shiloh was killed about the same time on Friday
deserves honorable mention for his services. Capt
Asa. Worden “B” Co. and 1
st Lt. E. F. Ferris “A” Co
also of the 14” Regt. Wis. Vols. particularly distinguished for
their coolness and bravery were wounded while in
the active discharge of their duties. Lt. Jas. F. Adams
15” Regt. Mich. Vols. bold and vigorous held the
skirmishers under his command on the left of our lines
with the same vigor
that and energy that before
Chewalla, with his handful of men he drove back
the enemys line until wounded was forced to retire.
The thanks and condolences of our entire army
should be given the families of these officers.
Lt. John Stewart 15” Regt. Mich. Vols. Although slightly
wounded remained with his command during the
two days battle and for a day and a half during the
pursuit. his example was a good one for his brother
officers. 2
nd Lieut I. Casserly “C” Co. 15” Regt Mich. Vols.
deserve honorable mention for his care of that and :F: Co.
and strenuous endeavors to rally the men when we were falling
back. I regret to say that Capt Farrell “C” Co.
15” Regt. Mich Vols. the only officer who came under the
notice of myself or staff as failing to do his best
neglected to do his duty at that trying hour.
Lieut Col McDermott of the 15” Mich Vols. his officers
and men deserve the highest praise. All but one did
their whole duty, for six days continually under
arms skirmishers against a whole army you
could not with justice particularize individuals.
All worked effectively even our Chaplain Father
Brady respected and beloved by all his flock
both Catholic and Protestant for his kindness
and good offices. was with me under the hottest
fire and volunteered to go for ammunition and
when brought up I think helped to give it out.
Col Hancock and his Reg’t the 14” Wis. Vols. there
was no discount on. always steady. Cool and
vigorous this Regt. was the one to rely upon in any
emergency, though suffering more loss than any other
regiment in the command they maintained their
lines and delivered their fire with all the precision
and coolness which could have been maintained
upon drill. Col Bouck cool and sagacious with
his gallant 18” Regt Wis Vols. While with us did most
effectual service. Was detached to guard Smiths Bridge,
which he afterwards by order destroyed and brought
his command into the Division in excellent order
Capt Ford and his company of Cavalry were in the
sadde night and day. zealous and fearless officers
and men alike seemed desirous of doing and did their
duty. The section of 1
st Minn Battery under Comm-
and of Jr. 2
nd Lieut. Clayton was well served
and
did great apparent effect. the manner in which he
handled his pieces elicited the commendation of all
who saw him. Six companies of the 18 Regt. Mo. Vols. had
been some time since detached to guard the R. R. Some miles tow=
ards Bethel. the remaining four companies under Command
of Capt Ault. joined us when we fell back to your Division
this Battalion to gether with the 21
st Mo. Vols. 16” & 17” Wis Vols
were under my command during the pursuit of the enemy.
To the officers and men of these regiments, I tender
my hearty acknowledgements for their prompt obedience
to all orders, to my personas staff great praise is due
Lieut Jas. G. McBride acting adjutant was of
great use in the operations before Corinth, and in the pursuit
of the enemy, active and industrious. All regretted
that through sickness he was unable to be with us the
whole
of the time. Lieut Fredrick S. Hutchinson Acting
Brigade Q. M. was on the field acting in all capacities by
his conspicuous gallantry endeared himself to all.
For their intelligent prompt and cheerful obediance to
every order I desire to tender my sincere thanks the officers
and men of my entire command. To the 2
nd Brigade
of your Division is the honor due of checking the advance
of the Rebel Host for a whole day. and by their better
fight on Friday forenoon enabling other Divisions to
take their positions, forcing the enemy to that point, which
soon destroyed their morale, and changed a fine Army
flushed with anticipation of a
[ ? ] victory into
a flying disorganized mob, wild with defeat, and frantic
with terror.
With Much respect
I am Your Obt Servt
Col John. M. Oliver
15” Mich. Infantry Vols. Comd’g 2” Brigade
