Hornets Nest

[SpartanGSG]

Probably a poor choice of words on my part which does no justice to the stout defense the men from Iowa Illinois and Ohio laid down, meant to infer that when the positions became untenable the rout was fairly rapid. I know that critical ammunition shortages within the artillery units, (best illustrated by the activities of the Ist ILL Lights who quickly ran out of canister and fought in close quarters with what was left of the solid shot) certainly dimished it's role. I also cite the stubborn defense of the 55th Illinois and 54th Ohio singled out in particular before they had to give way due to the pressure of their flanks being rolled. Prentiss clearly did yeoman's work responding to the deteriorating situation around him particularly when Hurlbut caved in and to me both deserved a better fate and a degree of respect and praise from Grant that seemingly never came his way.
respectfully,
Spartan

[ole]

Prentiss clearly did yeoman's work responding to the deteriorating situation around him particularly when Hurlbut caved in and to me both deserved a better fate and a degree of respect and praise from Grant that seemingly never came his way.

Agreed. I haven't figured out why he was sent into limbo-land when it appears that he did more than could be expected. Someone will know.
Ole

[larry_cockerham]

Surprise, I've actually walked this battlefield a couple of times and read a few books. Problem for me is that it occurred a bit early in the war for me to relate. I'm greatly enjoying reading these obviously insightful posts and plead for you gentlemen to continue. (Ole, your knowledge continues to impress me. Not bad for a yank.)

[ole]

Spartan also wrote:

...Hurlbut caved in and to me both deserved a better fate and a degree of respect and praise from Grant...

Hurlbut was made a Major General serving in Memphis and the Department of the Gulf, but he earned the distrust of his superiors with his common proclivity for chasing the almighty dollar. In the army, you don't do that, especially when your superior is Grant and his best buddy,Sherman.

Thanks for the kind words, Johnny. Your pursuit of ancestral details is better.
Ole