Shiloh & General Joe Wheeler

[TexasCowboy]

Im curious as to what kind of role did General Wheeler play in Shiloh. I know that this is the same General Wheeler who was in charge of the Cavarly during the Spanish American War Of 1898.

[Borderruffian]

He was Colonel commanding the 19th Alabama at Shiloh.

[Dred]

Part of the sweeping force around the Sunken Road when Prentiss finally surrendered. Along with the 17th and 18th Alabama and 2nd Texas with Chalmer's Regiment. The 19th lost about 20 killed and 140 wounded in a space of about fifty minutes.


That was the only mention I found of them except that just before the battle they were on outpost duty in Monterey.

[Borderruffian]

According Wheelers After Action report. The 19th Alabama was 2nd from the right in the 2nd line of battle at the outset and was ordered forward by Johnston himself. The 19th charged and routed the 59th Illinios and further advanced.

Later in the afternoon the 19th came up on the left of Chalmers Brigade and from this point took point in the clearing of the Sunken Road.

The 19th was then placed in charge of the prisoners and moved them to "within 400 yards of the river".

Wheeler also states that they came under fire by artillery and gunboats during this time.

On the 2nd day the 19th remained attached to Chalmer until the withdrawl when Wheeler was placed in command of an ad-hoc brigade by Withers and performed some sort of rear guard action.

Wheeler states he lost 33 1/2 % of his aggrete strength and mentioned several officers in dispatchs for valor.