I had 3 Dimmitt cousins in the 4th Texas Infantry....Napoleon, James, and Alamo Dimmitt. Alamo served the entire war and is on the list of parolees at Appomattox. Napoleon was killed at Gaines Mill. James was severely wounded there and eventually discharged due to his wounds. They had a lot of cousins in the Union Army....I always kind of wondered if the Texas and Indiana cousins knew of the others on the other side.
The 33rd North Carolina Dimmitt definitely knew because 3 of his brothers served in the Union Army. They went to Missouri a couple years before the war and enlisted in 1862 to restore the Union. After the war 2 of the 3 that survived went to live near my gg grandparents in Indiana.....I guess North Carolina was off limits to them afterwards.
Got to love it ! Alamo Dimmitt from Texas !!! Were your Missouri Federals named, James, John, and Richmond ?
Don't have any personal info on them. Only that they were privates in Co.H 24th Missouri Infantry. Looks like they were in the thick of it out west though ! Merry Christmas !!!!
Twenty-fourth Infantry
MISSOURI
(3-YEARS)
Twenty-fourth Infantry. -- Cols., S. H. Boyd, James K. Mills;
Lieut.Cols., J. K. Mills, William H. Stark; Majs., Eli N.
Weston, W. H. Stark, Robert W. Fyan, James J. Lyon.
Concerning this regiment the adjutant-general of the state
says in his report for 1863: "For want of regimental reports
this office is, with great reluctance, obliged to confine
itself to the remark that, having been organized in Aug.,
1861, the 24th infantry early entered the field, and has been
unceasingly engaged in the important events of the war in the
West; proving itself, on all occasions, when it had the
opportunity, worthy of its full share of the honor attributed
to the volunteers of Missouri."
In 1864 it served with Gen. A. J. Smith's corps in the Red
River campaign, suffering considerable loss in the battle of
Pleasant Hill, La., where it occupied a prominent place in the
line of battle. In Sept. and Oct., 1864, Companies A, B, C,
D, E, I and K were mustered out because of expiration of
service, and the remainder of the regiment was consolidated
with the 21st Mo. infantry.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 4, p. 265
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Pea Ridge, AR after action report:
No. 28.
Report of Capt. Thomas A. Reed, Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry.
MARCH 10, 1862.
SIR: I hereby transmit a report of the part taken by Company A in
the memorable battle which came off on the Fayetteville road, and
what is called the Elkhorn Tavern.
After the rebels were discovered to be lurking in the vicinity in
scouting parties, companies having been ordered out by you previous
and sent in different directions to discover, if possible, whether the
rebels were approaching in any considerable number or not, I received
an order from you to turn out Company A and report immediately in
the road opposite the tavern, which I did, when we were ordered to
stack arms, which we did; after which Lieut. Robberson was
ordered with the second platoon to the top of a high hill to the left and
northwest of the tavern, with orders to report back to headquarters if
the enemy was discovered in any strong force. At the same time one
section of the first platoon was out on the Huntsville road in a northeast
direction, under J. T. Walker, fourth sergeant, while I took the
remainder of the company, went down to the right of the road some 400
yards from the tavern, and discovered the enemy moving in column in
a southeast direction toward the Huntsville road. My boys were anxious
for a shot, upon which I granted three of them the exquisite pleasure
of taking a pop at a few scouts we saw on the side of the hill between
us and the main body. The rebels instantly began to form line
of battle, when I returned and reported.
By this time Lieut. Robberson had reported a considerable force
passing around the hill which he occupied. About the same time Sergeant
Walker returned, reporting the head of their column crossing the
Huntsville road. We had some foraging wagons out that were returning.
Our boys saw them captured by the enemy. Two men of Company A
were out with the wagons; one of them made his escape and
got into camp in the evening. The other two, I suppose, have been
captured by the enemy, to wit, Daniel C. Putnam and William D. Popejay.
In the mean time Lieut. Robberson was ordered to regain the
company, and the whole company, consisting in number (able for duty)
25 men, together with the gallant Sergt. Maj. A. A. Harrison, was
ordered back to the top of the hill previously occupied by Lieut.
Robberson and party, to deploy as skirmishers and report as circumstances
required. We proceeded immediately to comply with the order,
and while advancing around the brow of the hill on the right we discovered
to our right in a ravine numbers of the enemy in ambush, when
I ordered the company to deploy as skirmishers, taking trees, rocks,
stumps, &c., for covering, and pour it into them. Our boys, eager for
the encounter, hardly waited for orders. Each fellow betook himself
to a tree, and poured several volleys into their ranks, causing considerable
stir among them, and no doubt they had very good reason, for
upon examination of the ground after the retreat of the rebels their
dead lay in numbers along the ravine. They gave way. We then advanced
to the top of the hill and again deployed as skirmishers, and
soon discovered the rebels thick in ambush there also. The boys
availed themselves of the advantage of the covering of trees, and woe
to the white blanket and butternut pants that came in their sight. Being
convinced, however, they had a heavy force and were only trying to
draw us out, and satisfied nothing short of a regiment would justify us
in advancing and bringing on an engagement, I reported to you accordingly,
when Company F, commanded by Capt. Barris; Companies H
and I, commanded by Lieut. Lyon, also one company from the Iowa
Fourth, were ordered up to re-enforce us, our force now consisting of
about 150 men. The Iowa Fourth formed on the right; H and I on
the left. Our line extended across the hill. We held our position nearly
two hours, firing only when we could see a rebel, and, taking deliberate
aim, we brought several to the ground.
I left Capt. Barris in command and went to report to you again,
upon which we were called off by your order, and the remaining part of the
engagement in which we participated needs no recapitulation by me, as
you were an eye-witness of what followed. I must not close, however,
without awarding great applause to the boys under my command. I
refrain from mentioning names, as all merit praise for their valiant
conduct. Such cool courage and bravery have rarely been exhibited on
the battle-field. The officers also merit great praise--the gallant Sergt.
Maj. A. A. Harrison, who by his conduct in rallying and cheering the
boys on and setting them an example of bravery worthy of imitation,
will ever endear him to Company A. Lieut. Robberson performed
his duty coolly and deliberately; in fact, all of the officers present, as
well as men.
I respectfully submit the above as the part taken by Company A in
the battle which came off near Elkhorn Tavern on the 7th instant.
Yours, &c.,
THOMAS A. REED,
Capt., Comdg. Co. A, Twenty-fourth Mo. Vols.
Maj. ELI W. WESTON,
Commanding Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteers.
-----------
No. 29.
Report of Capt. Robert W. Fyan, Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry.
IN CAMP IN THE FIELD, March 9, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor herewith to submit the following report:
At about 7 o'clock a. m. of the 7th instant I received your order to
take my company and proceed north on the Cassville road as far as I
was able, and ascertain, if possible, whether the enemy were advancing
on that road and in what force. The company were under arms speedily,
all of the company, even the sick, turning out with the utmost
promptness and alacrity. We had not advanced more than three-quarters
of a mile on the road before we came in view of the enemy's
cavalry. In consequence of the garb in which many of them were
clothed I was in doubt whether they were Union or rebel forces. I
therefore threw out a squad of 8 men, and deployed them in the ravines
on both sides of the road we were advancing. I then cautiously proceeded
some 200 yards farther, when the enemy opened a cross-fire on
us from both sides of the road, wounding Private John Franklin. The
fire was promptly returned, when, finding the enemy in force and about
to flank us, I ordered the company to fall back some 200 yards, where
we remained, having sent back to camp for re-enforcements.
Being joined by Companies I and H, we ascertained the enemy
were moving around on our right towards the Huntsville road. I
immediately ordered my company across the woods to the Huntsville
road. Deploying as skirmishers on both sides of the road we advanced
until we reached the field, where we took position along the fence,
awaiting the advance of the enemy, whom we could now distinctly
perceive in heavy force on the edge of the woods immediately in our front.
In this position we remained until the First Iowa Battery, supported
by the Fourth Iowa Infantry, reached us. Having been ordered by
you we fell back to camp, and in executing your further order to move
across and take position on the left of the camp we lost Private Francis
M. Dooly, killed by the explosion of a shell that burst in the midst of
the company.
We remained in the position designated until ordered to join the rest
of the regiment, where we were under your own immediate observation
and command the remainder of the day.
Appended you will find a list of the killed, wounded, and missing of
my company. Of the latter, two were detailed to accompany Quarter-master
Fritz on a foraging expedition on the morning of the 7th, and
are supposed to be captured by the enemy. The third one we left very
sick in camp.
Respectfully, yours, &c.,
ROBERT W. FYAN,
Capt. Company B, Twenty-fourth Regt. Mo. Vols.
Maj. ELI W. WESTON,
Commanding Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteers.
-----------
No. 30.
Report of Capt. Sampson P. Barris, Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry.
IN CAMP IN THE FIELD, March 9, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor of reporting to you that upon receiving your
order at daylight of Friday, 7th instant, I formed my company of those
present for duty, consisting of 36 men, and marched out west as skirmishers,
according to order. When within about three-quarters of a
mile from camp we fell in with Capts. O'Connor and Lewis, of the
cavalry of the provost guard, who were firing occasionally on the
enemy in the brush, when I took my command out in the brush on the
left. We scoured the wood for some distance, when we came to a farm.
We divided the company, Lieut. Hart taking command of one
platoon flanking the right of the road, myself, with the other platoon,
taking the left. In that position, with cavalry in the center, under
their commanders respectively, we pursued the enemy some distance,
when I came in sight of them in the distance and opened a fire on them
to draw their attention (which they answered), while Lieut. Hart
came up on their left flank and opened fire on them from the brush,
which caused them to break in retreat. Becoming satisfied that they
were falling back on a strong force we withdrew, together with the
whole command, into camp. The whole command, according to my
judgment, acted with coolness and bravery.
When we had been in camp some twenty minutes we were called
under arms by your order and marched out, when, according to your
order, we took position on the side of the hill east of the encampment,
as skirmishers, to hold the enemy in check. We had but short time to
wait when the enemy approached in considerable force. We opened
a fire on them. After a few rounds they fell back a short distance and
took cover behind trees, logs, &c., and continued the fire for some time.
We were soon re-enforced by Capt. Reed, Company A, who formed
on our left and entered into the engagement with a coolness and
bravery that would have done honor to veteran soldiers. The action
lasted some hour and a half, when the enemy retired, moving to our
left, after which by your order we moved our position to the left on
top of the hill, where we were joined by Lieut. Lyon, in command
of Companies I and H, together with some Iowa infantry and cavalry,
the whole under the command of Capt. Reed, which position we
held till late in the evening, when we were ordered to take position at
the foot of the hill, where we were under your immediate command
from that time forward. I can say for my men and officers that they
exceeded my expectations for deliberate firing, coolness, and courage.
Upon the whole, I believe your whole command acted as soldiers
fighting for a good cause.
I have the honor to be, your humble servant,
S. P. BARRIS,
Capt. Comdg. Co. F, Twenty-fourth Mo. Vols., Lyon Legion.
Maj. ELI W. WESTON.
-----------
No. 31.
Report of Lieut. James J. Lyon, Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry.
CAMP IN THE FIELD,
Monday, March 10, 1862.
SIR: I would most respectfully report that my company, H, was
There being no commissioned officer with Company I, I assumed command.
In the early part of the day we were engaged in skirmishing
with the enemy on the Huntsville road. About 9 a. m. I took my command
to the mound in the rear of the Elkhorn Tavern, where I found
Capt. Reed with Companies A and F. He assumed then the command of
the battalion. About 3 p. m. we retired from the hill and
formed in line of battle in the undergrowth between the field on the
right and the mound on the left. My command occupied the extreme
left. We advanced in line under your command, came to a halt, saw
the enemy through the brush advancing in column from the left to the
right. I was about ordering the men to fire when, hearing considerable
of a noise to the rear, I perceived the rest of the line in full retreat.
I had heard no order of that kind, but gave it. The men started in
some confusion, but were reformed in line, and were coming off in good
order, though the enemy in our rear were sending a shower of balls
around us. They opened a fire upon us from the hill to our right
which was terrific. Under it the men broke and fled in disorder.
After crossing the field south of the mound we reformed and under
your orders marched to camp, after seeing our forces advance. Eighteen
of my company went into action, 14 privates and 4 non-commissioned
officers. Of this number 1 private was killed; 1 sergeant, 2
corporals, and 2 privates were severely wounded. Company I entered
the action with 12 privates and 3 non-commissioned officers. Result, 1
private killed and 1 wounded mortally. It is hard to discriminate
among so many meritorious ones, but I desire to make special mention
of Sergeant Ferrell, Corporal Ray, Privates Connor and Bishop, of
Company H, and Privates Edwards and Hurse, of Company I. Their
courage and coolness are commendable.
I am, sir, yours, truly,
JAMES J. LYON,
First Lieut. Company H, Twenty-fourth Mo. Vols.
Maj. ELI W. WESTON,
Provost-Marshal, Commanding Twenty-fourth Regt. Mo. Vols.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XVIII.] PEA RIDGE, OR ELKHORN TAVERN, ARK. PAGE 273-8
[Series I. Vol. 8. Serial No. 8.]
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Reports of Maj. Robert W. Fyan, Twenty-fourth
Missouri Infantry, of the capture of Fort De Russy and engagements at
Pleasant Hill and Yellow Bayou.
HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH MISSOURI INFANTRY VOLS.,
On board Sioux City, near Alexandria, La., March 17, 1864.
CAPT.: In obedience to orders received this date from brigade
headquarters, I beg leave to make the following report of the part taken
by the Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteers in the attack upon and capture
of Fort De Russy on the 14th instant: At or about 4 o'clock of the 14th
instant the Twenty-fourth Missouri was ordered up on double-quick,
with instructions from the brigade commander to form on the left of the
road and take position so as to protect the battery (Third Indiana). In
this position we remained until the Third Indiana had exhausted all their
ammunition, and the Ninth Indiana Battery was brought up to relieve
them, at which time Brig.-Gen. Mower ordered us to fix
bayonets and advance in line of battle. This order was obeyed, until
arriving at the edge of the timber in front of the west side of the fort,
where the regiment was halted sufficiently long to correctly along it,
when it was ordered to charge bayonets, and order that was obeyed not
only with promptitude but with the utmost furor. Not a halt was made
until our colors were planted on the walls and the fort surrendered. The
Twenty-fourth Missouri claims its colors were first on the wall, and it
the first inside the fortifications.
Our loss was 1 killed, 1 mortally wounded, 4 severely wounded, and 7
slightly wounded. Where every man did his duty it would be impossible
to make distinctions.
Respectfully submitted.
R. W. FYAN,
Maj., Cmdg. Regt.
Capt. C. T. GRANGER,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Second Brigade.
-----
HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS,
Grand Ecore, La., April 13, 1864.
CAPT.: In obedience to orders received I respectfully furnish the
following report of the part taken by the Twenty-fourth Missouri
Volunteers in the battle of Pleasant Hill, La., on the 9th instant: At or
about 8.30 a. m. the regiment moved out of camp and advanced with
the brigade upon the enemy. The brigade commander ordered the
regiment to take position upon the right of the Twenty-fifth New Your
Battery and support the same. Our position was a very strong one.
Immediately upon getting into line I deployed Company A, under
Lieut. Mullings, as skirmishers, on the right flank and some 100
paces in front of the right of the regiment. This company was engaged
with the skirmishers of the enemy until 12 m., when the officers
commanding reported the enemy to be extending his line for the purpose
of flanking our right or cutting us off. I sent forward Company B to
assist A, and refilled the boxes of A with cartridges. These companies
were engaged until about 4.30, when the enemy opened with artillery
upon the battery on the left of the regiment (Twenty-fifth New York).
In a very short time the battery we were supporting retreated. The
enemy shelled the timber in our rear some minutes after our battery left
the ground, wounding 4 of the regiment badly. A force of rebel cavalry
consisting of some 350 then charged upon us. We let them advance
within 50 paces before a gun was fired, when we poured a volley upon
them and threw them in confusion. Ordering the men to reload we
continued firing until we literally annihilated them. As the few that
remained retreated the artillery of the enemy again opened upon us with
grape, canister, and shell, and continued firing some ten minutes, when
I observed their infantry advancing massed in column upon us. Such was
our position that I left satisfied we could successfully repel any force
brought against us in front. As the advance column of the enemy
reached the hill in front I ordered the regiment to fire. It responded as
one man. I then ordered a charge on the staggered column. As we
rushed on with cheers they gave back. Finding we had cleared the hill,
I recalled the regiment to its original position. Again and again did the
enemy press our front, and we fought each other at 15 paces. Every
effort made by them resulted in their discomfiture. At length they
appeared upon our right flank in force, and poured volley after volley
upon us. Exposed *** the regiment was to a heavy cross-fire against
such numbers I ordered them to fall back, which they did disputing
every foot. At the open field in rear of the timber the regiment
reformed, and here we lost the most of our men. The color-sergeant was
shot down, when Corporal Young seized the colors, and he too fell.
Corporal Baker then took and retained possession of the colors during
the balance of the time we were engaged in the fight. Our ammunition
being expended I withdrew the regiment until the colonel commanding
brigade reformed the brigade and issued ammunition, assigning us
position on the right of the brigade, where we remained under arms
until ordered to march in the morning. We went into action with 1 field
officer, 1 acting adjutant, and 9 line officers, and 400 men. Our loss is
as follows: Killed, 9; wounded, 70; wounded and missing, 10; missing,
7; total, 96. Every officer and man in the regiment obeyed orders
implicitly and did his duty fearlessly and as an American soldier.
Respectfully submitted.
ROBT. W. FYAN,
Maj., Cmdg. Regt.
Capt. C. T. GRANGER,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH MISSOURI INFANTRY VOLS.,
Mouth of Red River, May 21, 1864.
LIEUT.: In obedience to orders received, the Twenty-fourth
Missouri Volunteers moved out with the brigade on the morning of the
18th instant, and formed line of battle near Bayou De Glaize, on the
ridge of the brigade, remaining in that position until ordered forward to
support the First Missouri Artillery.* On moving near the point
designated I found the battery limbered up and going to the rear, leaving
one gun that appeared to be disabled by having all its horses killed.
Capt. Sample, assistant adjutant-general First and Third Divisions,
ordered the regiment to take position on the left of the gun, the right of
the regiment near the road next the bayou, and the left not quite against
the Thirty-third Missouri Infantry Volunteers. In this position we waited
the advance of the rebels, who could be distinctly seen moving forward
in line of battle, As they were crossing the open field in front of us we
received orders to advance, which we did, opening a destructive fire on
the enemy, driving them before us until we were recalled by reason, as
we understood, of the left of our line being outflanked. Falling back to
our original position, we lay under a very heavy artillery fire until the
enemy again made appearance in much heavier force. Their line
extended to the bayou, and they were suffered to approach until they
had passed the field, and were coming on, apparently confident they
would meet with no resistance, when Gen. Mower ordered us to
charge, which the regiment did in gallant style. The first fire we gave
the enemy the two regiments on their left broke and fled, and the
Twenty-fourth Missouri were flanking the Fifteenth Texas, with every
reason to believe we could have captured them, as they were throwing
down their arms and giving up as we were clothing, when we received
an order, the second time, to fall back, which we did, carrying our
prisoners with us. In falling back we were under very heavy artillery
fire, and after we reached our original position they continued pouring
shot and shell into us. Late in the evening we were ordered back, and
fell in with our brigade as they returned to camp. Several of the
regiment were seen struck, and our casualties were 2 killed and 13
wounded. Where every officer and soldier did his whole duty it would
be impossible to make distinctions.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. W. FYAN,
Maj., Cmdg. Regt.
Lieut. W. G. DONNAN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XLVI.] THE RED RIVER CAMPAIGN. PAGE 368-61
[Series I. Vol. 34. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 61.]
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