Brass Napoleon Award Cockrell's 1st Missouri Brigade

Found the following items in the Missouri Historical Society's digital collection: http://mohistory.org/society


Our Mess.jpg

http://mohistory.org/collections/item/resource:142761
http://mohistory.org/collections/item/resource:158742

"Our Mess." Group of Missouri Confederate officers at Johnson's Island POW camp, January, 1864.

"OUR MESS JOHNSON'S ISLAND, JANUARY 1864" (printed below image).

Lt. John G. Kelly, Co. A, 1st Missouri Cavalry. Captured May 17, 1863 at Big Black, Mississippi.

Capt. Reuben Kay, Adjutant of 1st Missouri Infantry, 4th Division, Missouri State Guard.

Lt. Harrison McClure, Co. K, 1st Missouri Cavalry. Captured May 17, 1863 at Big Black, Mississippi.

Capt. William B. Cox, Co. E, 9th Missouri Infantry (Clark's Regiment). Captured October 1863 at Little Rock, and spent time at Gratiot and Alton before being sent to Johnson's Island.

Capt. John C. Ward, unidentified.

Capt. John Yates, unidentified.

Lt. John T. Mahan, Co. A, 1st Missouri Cavalry. Captured three times, the second time at Big Black (this is why he was at Johnson's Island). The third time, at Jackson, Tennessee, he escaped even though he was wounded.

Lt. Price. Probably Stephen R. Price of the 1st Missouri Cavalry.

Gen. Meriwether Jeff Thompson.

Lt. William Eller, Co. K, 1st Missouri Cavalry. Captured at Big Black, Mississippi and spent 22 months at Johnson's Island.

Lt. William A. Bast, Co. B, 3rd Missouri Cavalry.

(All information taken from digital soldier records.)


Major Absalom Grimes.jpg

http://mohistory.org/collections/item/resource:159453

Major Absalom Grimes, a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi before the war, served in the 1st Missouri Cavalry and later as mail runner for the C.S. Missouri troops serving east of the Mississippi River. He was captured and escaped a number of times.


Missouri Confederate Veterans.jpg

http://mohistory.org/collections/item/resource:157891

Postwar photograph of Confederate Veterans at Versailles, Mo., some of which served in Cockrell's Missouri Brigade.

Subjects in Photograph from left to right are:

1. John McClannahan, Co. B, 9th Missouri Infantry

2. John E. Price, Co. 1st Missouri Infantry. Price was wounded twice and fought at the battles of Pea Ridge, Corinth, Iuka, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Big Black River, and the siege of Vicksburg.

3. Frank Madole, 2nd Missouri Infantry

4. Monroe Iva, unidentified. Subject looks considerably younger than the other men in the image. He many not be a veteran or may have served in some capacity as a boy in the war. If so, he would not be listed in the digital soldier records.

5. H.C. Thurston, [spelled Thruston on image], 4th Missouri Cavalry, Marmaduke's Division. Thurston's record states that "He stands 7' 7 1/2" tall, weighs nearly 200 pounds. He is the tallest man in Texas and one of the tallest men in the world. His tallness has been exhibited in many States of the Union by different circuses."

6. Pvt. T.G. Snodgrass, [spelled Snorgrass on image], Co. D, 2nd Missouri Infantry (of which he deserted Sept. 2, 1864). and Co. F, 2nd Cavalry, M.S.G.

7. Pvt. William J. Scoggins, Co. D, 2nd Missouri Infantry. Served in M.S.G. with Co. D, 1st Regiment before joining the Missouri Brigade. Fought at Boonville, Carthage, Oak Hill, Drywood, Elk Horn, Iuka, Corinth, Grand Gulf (where he was wounded), Baker's Creek, Big Black River, and Vicksburg.

8. John Salmon. Probably either J. M. Salmon of Co. G, 11th Missouri Infantry or J. B. Salmon of Hunter's Regiment, Shelby's Brigade.

9. Pvt. William B. Dudley, Co. D, 2nd Missouri Infantry. Wounded in the right ulna and captured at Franklin, Tennessee and paroled at Jackson, Mississippi May 13, 1865.

(All information taken from the Missouri digital soldier records.)


Missouri Brigade canteen.jpg

http://mohistory.org/collections/item/resource:198076?view=zoom

Canteen used by unidentified soldier in the 1st Missouri Infantry, Cockrell's Brigade.
 
Last edited:
Identified as Louis/Lewis Brownson CO F 3rd MO Cav Battalion dismounted. Unknown date as of now. Two photos, one that is suspected to be early and before 2nd Corinth as he was wounded, and did not return but was sent to help guard supply trains. The second is suspected later due to aging, longer hair etc.
18882066_117942974547.jpg
FB_IMG_1545152506910.jpg
 
Flags of the 1st Missouri Brigade.

View attachment 139004
4th Missouri Infantry's Van Dorn pattern battle flag. Missouri Brigade's Van Dorn flags are believed to have been made in June 1862 by the ladies of Guntown, Mississippi. They would have been carried in the battle of Corinth until later replaced with the Belle Edmonson Latin Cross, aka "the Missouri Battle Flag." Currently held by the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Va.

View attachment 139005
The 6th Missouri Infantry's Van Dorn battle flag, carried into action at Corinth where the 6th lost 71.3% in a charge at the White House fields on October 3, 1862. Before his death at Vicksburg, Colonel Eugene Erwin gave the flag to his wife Josephine for safe keeping; she sewed the flag to the inside of her dress and brought it through the lines back home to Missouri. It is currently on display at the Civil War Interpretive Center at Corinth, MS.

Inscribed upon the flag is:

"EUGENE ERWIN, COL. COMMANDING
This Regiment was the first to charge the inner intrenchment at Corinth, Miss., and 26 of its 30 commissioned officers, and 22 of its 28 non-commissioned officers were killed or wounded.

WILLIAM HUFF,
ENSIGN.
Received 9 wounds in defense of this flag before resigning it to keeping of a comrade, and of 300 men who went in battle only 30 answered the roll call afterwards."

Col. Eugene Erwin was later killed at Vicksburg while leading the 6th Missouri in a counter-attack at the crater on June 25, in support of the 3rd Louisiana. It was said his last words were, "Come on, my brave boys, don't let the Third Regiment get ahead of you!"

View attachment 238473
Photo of Colonel Eugene Erwin.

View attachment 238474
The Belle Edmondson Latin Cross battle flag of the 1st Missouri Cavalry (dismounted). It was captured in the battle of Big Black River, May 17, 1863, by Pvt. Rosswell Clark of Co. F, 11th Wisconsin Infantry. It was returned to Missouri in 1943 and is now located in the Missouri State Museum, Jefferson City, MO.

This flag, often referred to as the "Missouri Battle Flag" was issued to the 1st Missouri Brigade and Green's Brigade of Bowen's Division during the Vicksburg Campaign. The first issue of flags were made in Missouri and brought to the division by Gen. Bowen's wife. The Missouri Battle Flag is also known as "Belle Edmondson's Latin Cross," Miss Belle Edmondson of Memphis originally designing the flag for her "adopted" Missouri troops. She presented her first flag to Gen. Sterling Price in summer of 1862.

View attachment 238475
The 1864 battle flag of the 2nd & 6th Missouri Infantry consolidated. This flag was carried throughout the Atlanta Campaign, Allatoona Pass, and was captured in the battle of Franklin. It is of the pattern manufactured by civilian contractors in Mobile and issued to the Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana in late 1863. The Missouri Brigade was issued these flags in fall of 1863 after their exchange from Vicksburg. The 2nd-6th Missouri's flag was later captured at Franklin by Sgt. Alfred Ransbotton of the 97th Ohio Infantry; it is currently held by the Missouri State Museum in Jefferson City, MO.

Hello,

What is your source for Green's Brigade getting the Bowen/Missouri pattern battle flags? Thanks very much.

Flag Guy
 
Hello,

What is your source for Green's Brigade getting the Bowen/Missouri pattern battle flags? Thanks very much.

Flag Guy
I only refer to the Missouri units in Green's Brigade, hence the 1st Missouri Cavalry's surviving flag. Not the Arkansas regiments in the brigade, however. Think they continued using the Van Dorn pattern.

I got most of my info from The Flags of Civil War Missouri by Glenn Dedmondt.
 
Flags of the 1st Missouri Brigade.

View attachment 139004
4th Missouri Infantry's Van Dorn pattern battle flag. Missouri Brigade's Van Dorn flags are believed to have been made in June 1862 by the ladies of Guntown, Mississippi. They would have been carried in the battle of Corinth until later replaced with the Belle Edmonson Latin Cross, aka "the Missouri Battle Flag." Currently held by the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Va.

View attachment 139005
The 6th Missouri Infantry's Van Dorn battle flag, carried into action at Corinth where the 6th lost 71.3% in a charge at the White House fields on October 3, 1862. Before his death at Vicksburg, Colonel Eugene Erwin gave the flag to his wife Josephine for safe keeping; she sewed the flag to the inside of her dress and brought it through the lines back home to Missouri. It is currently on display at the Civil War Interpretive Center at Corinth, MS.

Inscribed upon the flag is:

"EUGENE ERWIN, COL. COMMANDING
This Regiment was the first to charge the inner intrenchment at Corinth, Miss., and 26 of its 30 commissioned officers, and 22 of its 28 non-commissioned officers were killed or wounded.

WILLIAM HUFF,
ENSIGN.
Received 9 wounds in defense of this flag before resigning it to keeping of a comrade, and of 300 men who went in battle only 30 answered the roll call afterwards."

Col. Eugene Erwin was later killed at Vicksburg while leading the 6th Missouri in a counter-attack at the crater on June 25, in support of the 3rd Louisiana. It was said his last words were, "Come on, my brave boys, don't let the Third Regiment get ahead of you!"

View attachment 238473
Photo of Colonel Eugene Erwin.

View attachment 238474
The Belle Edmondson Latin Cross battle flag of the 1st Missouri Cavalry (dismounted). It was captured in the battle of Big Black River, May 17, 1863, by Pvt. Rosswell Clark of Co. F, 11th Wisconsin Infantry. It was returned to Missouri in 1943 and is now located in the Missouri State Museum, Jefferson City, MO.

This flag, often referred to as the "Missouri Battle Flag" was issued to the 1st Missouri Brigade and Green's Brigade of Bowen's Division during the Vicksburg Campaign. The first issue of flags were made in Missouri and brought to the division by Gen. Bowen's wife. The Missouri Battle Flag is also known as "Belle Edmondson's Latin Cross," Miss Belle Edmondson of Memphis originally designing the flag for her "adopted" Missouri troops. She presented her first flag to Gen. Sterling Price in summer of 1862.

View attachment 238475
The 1864 battle flag of the 2nd & 6th Missouri Infantry consolidated. This flag was carried throughout the Atlanta Campaign, Allatoona Pass, and was captured in the battle of Franklin. It is of the pattern manufactured by civilian contractors in Mobile and issued to the Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana in late 1863. The Missouri Brigade was issued these flags in fall of 1863 after their exchange from Vicksburg. The 2nd-6th Missouri's flag was later captured at Franklin by Sgt. Alfred Ransbotton of the 97th Ohio Infantry; it is currently held by the Missouri State Museum in Jefferson City, MO.

Hello again,

I found the source for Green's Brigade having the Bowen/Missouri pattern flags.

A new silk Van Dorn flag for either the 2nd, 3rd or 5th Missouri Infantry turned up over a year ago and it is in private hands today. I saw it when it turned up. The flag is signed by its maker and her daughter, who lived near Guntown, Mississippi - these flags were made for the Missouri Brigade by the ladies of that town and area and presented to them between June and August 1862. Only the Missouri Brigade Van Dorn flags have this star arrangement by the way. The more common Van Dorn flags that came out in August-September 1862 had their stars in a 3-2-3-2-3 pattern from top to bottom and yellow borders. Enjoy the posted images of this flag.

Flag Guy

2nd 3rd or 5th Missouri Van Dorn 1.jpg


2nd 3rd or 5th Missouri Van Dorn 2.jpg


2nd 3rd or 5th Missouri Van Dorn 3.jpg


2nd 3rd or 5th Missouri Van Dorn 4.jpg
 
I only refer to the Missouri units in Green's Brigade, hence the 1st Missouri Cavalry's surviving flag. Not the Arkansas regiments in the brigade, however. Think they continued using the Van Dorn pattern.

I got most of my info from The Flags of Civil War Missouri by Glenn Dedmondt.


Hello,

Thanks for the response. I also think the Arkansas units got the Bowen type flags as few Van Dorn flags were noted in the Vicksburg Campaign. There were some down at Port Hudson however as the flag of the 15th NW Arkansas was taken there and it is a Van Dorn pattern flag. A second version of the Bowen/Missouri pattern flag was made in New Orleans by some ladies there and smuglled out of that city and gotten to Sterling Price and in April 1863 he gave them to the Missouri Regiments of Parsons' Brigade of his new division. The crosses on these flags was fatter than the first issues of January/February 1863. I have a letter from a soldier of the 27th Arkansas Infantry to his wife and he drew one of these flags in color on the letter and then groused about how he hated the flag as it was deemed "Catholic," which is what the rest of Parsons' men felt until Price stepped up and called it a flag used by the Crusaders and they were modern crusaders. This is recounted on Page 139 of Albert Castel's book on Sterling Price.

Flag Guy

15th Northwest Arkansas Infantry.jpg
 
Flags of the 1st Missouri Brigade.

View attachment 139004
4th Missouri Infantry's Van Dorn pattern battle flag. Missouri Brigade's Van Dorn flags are believed to have been made in June 1862 by the ladies of Guntown, Mississippi. They were carried until later replaced with the Belle Edmondson Latin Cross, aka "the Missouri Battle Flag." Currently held by the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Va.

View attachment 139005
The 6th Missouri Infantry's Van Dorn battle flag, carried into action at Corinth where the 6th lost 71.3% in a charge at the White House fields on October 3, 1862. Before his death at Vicksburg, Colonel Eugene Erwin gave the flag to his wife Josephine for safe keeping; she sewed the flag to the inside of her dress and brought it through the lines back home to Missouri. It is currently on display at the Civil War Interpretive Center at Corinth, MS.

Inscribed upon the flag is:

"EUGENE ERWIN, COL. COMMANDING
This Regiment was the first to charge the inner intrenchment at Corinth, Miss., and 26 of its 30 commissioned officers, and 22 of its 28 non-commissioned officers were killed or wounded.

WILLIAM HUFF,
ENSIGN.
Received 9 wounds in defense of this flag before resigning it to keeping of a comrade, and of 300 men who went in battle only 30 answered the roll call afterwards."

Col. Eugene Erwin was later killed at Vicksburg while leading the 6th Missouri in a counter-attack at the crater on June 25, in support of the 3rd Louisiana. It was said his last words were, "Come on, my brave boys, don't let the Third Regiment get ahead of you!"

View attachment 238473
Photo of Colonel Eugene Erwin.

View attachment 238474
The Belle Edmondson Latin Cross battle flag of the 1st Missouri Cavalry (dismounted). It was captured in the battle of Big Black River, May 17, 1863, by Pvt. Rosswell Clark of Co. F, 11th Wisconsin Infantry. It was returned to Missouri in 1943 and is now located in the Missouri State Museum, Jefferson City, MO.

This flag, often referred to as the "Missouri Battle Flag" was issued to the 1st Missouri Brigade and Green's Brigade of Bowen's Division during the Vicksburg Campaign. The first issue of flags were made in Missouri and brought to the division by Gen. Bowen's wife. The Missouri Battle Flag is also known as "Belle Edmondson's Latin Cross," Miss Belle Edmondson of Memphis originally designing the flag for her "adopted" Missouri troops. She presented her first flag to Gen. Sterling Price in summer of 1862.

View attachment 238475
The 1864 battle flag of the 2nd & 6th Missouri Infantry consolidated. This flag was carried throughout the Atlanta Campaign, Allatoona Pass, and was captured in the battle of Franklin. It is of the pattern manufactured by civilian contractors in Mobile and issued to the Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana in late 1863. The Missouri Brigade was issued these flags in fall of 1863 after their exchange from Vicksburg. The 2nd-6th Missouri's flag was later captured at Franklin by Sgt. Alfred Ransbottom of the 97th Ohio Infantry. It is currently held by the Missouri State Museum in Jefferson City, MO.

Hello again,

It seems that at least Alfred Cumming's Georgia Brigade of Carter Stevenson's Division received a variant of the Bowen/Missouri flag sometime in early 1863 as well. This is based on the surviving flag of the 39th Georgia Infantry of this brigade housed near Atlanta in the collections of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. It was saved from capture in Vicksburg obly to be taken in the regimental baggage on Lookout Mountain in November 1863 when the brigade was moved to the valley floor and their wagons did not get down in time before the Federal attack. There are July 1863 newspaper accounts that cite these flags as being surrendered at Vicksburg by the way.

Flag Guy

39th Georgia Infantry.jpg.jpg
 
Hello again,

It seems that at least Alfred Cumming's Georgia Brigade of Carter Stevenson's Division received a variant of the Bowen/Missouri flag sometime in early 1863 as well. This is based on the surviving flag of the 39th Georgia Infantry of this brigade housed near Atlanta in the collections of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. It was saved from capture in Vicksburg obly to be taken in the regimental baggage on Lookout Mountain in November 1863 when the brigade was moved to the valley floor and their wagons did not get down in time before the Federal attack. There are July 1863 newspaper accounts that cite these flags as being surrendered at Vicksburg by the way.

Flag Guy

View attachment 303798
Very interesting! That Cumming’s brigade was so badly handled at Champion Hill, I’m surprised it ever got off the field there and made into Vicksburg. But it is great to see what that brigade’s flag might have looked like!
 
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Hello again,

I found the source for Green's Brigade having the Bowen/Missouri pattern flags.

A new silk Van Dorn flag for either the 2nd, 3rd or 5th Missouri Infantry turned up over a year ago and it is in private hands today. I saw it when it turned up. The flag is signed by its maker and her daughter, who lived near Guntown, Mississippi - these flags were made for the Missouri Brigade by the ladies of that town and area and presented to them between June and August 1862. Only the Missouri Brigade Van Dorn flags have this star arrangement by the way. The more common Van Dorn flags that came out in August-September 1862 had their stars in a 3-2-3-2-3 pattern from top to bottom and yellow borders. Enjoy the posted images of this flag.

Flag Guy

View attachment 303793

View attachment 303794

View attachment 303795

View attachment 303796
Thank you for sharing here!

Hello,

Thanks for the response. I also think the Arkansas units got the Bowen type flags as few Van Dorn flags were noted in the Vicksburg Campaign. There were some down at Port Hudson however as the flag of the 15th NW Arkansas was taken there and it is a Van Dorn pattern flag. A second version of the Bowen/Missouri pattern flag was made in New Orleans by some ladies there and smuglled out of that city and gotten to Sterling Price and in April 1863 he gave them to the Missouri Regiments of Parsons' Brigade of his new division. The crosses on these flags was fatter than the first issues of January/February 1863. I have a letter from a soldier of the 27th Arkansas Infantry to his wife and he drew one of these flags in color on the letter and then groused about how he hated the flag as it was deemed "Catholic," which is what the rest of Parsons' men felt until Price stepped up and called it a flag used by the Crusaders and they were modern crusaders. This is recounted on Page 139 of Albert Castel's book on Sterling Price.

Flag Guy

View attachment 303797
Think you mean Port Gibson where the 15th Arkansas' flag was captured.

According to Glenn Dedmondt in his book on Arkansas flags, the 19th Arkansas also might've been using a Van Dorn flag during the Vicksburg Campaign as well.

Explained further in this thread: https://civilwartalk.com/threads/captured-flag-of-61st-tennessee.143106/page-2#post-1856955
 
Under the command of Henry Little, Francis M. Cockrell, Elijah Gates, and a host of exceptional line officers, the 1st Missouri Brigade made a name for itself as perhaps the best drilled, disciplined, and commanded Confederate brigade in the Western Theater, and certainly ranks as one of the best in the war on either side.
The Orphan Brigade would like to have a word with you...
 
The Orphan Brigade would like to have a word with you...
Ok bring out the info on the Orphan Brigade.... The MO Brigade was said to have made the Stonewall Brigade look like Girl Scouts selling cookies. It held its ground until all other units retreated, had Federal units put in for cowardice because they failed to route the MO Brigade. They fought from MO, AR, MS, LA, TN, AL, KY, SC, and NC. All that remained in April 65 had been wounded more than once. Members of the brigade had fought up to 27 major engagements in CS service and some up to 6 in MSG service with a combined total of 33 major engagements. Some officers at the time of surrender were amputees still in the fight. All served with honor but when you crunch the numbers it is hard to beat the history of the 1st and 2nd- then the 1st MO Brigade. Not even mention the men in the brigade that manned the CSS Arkansas and the cotton clad fleet on the MS in mid 62.
 
The Orphan Brigade would like to have a word with you...
See post #66. Actually, here's the link: https://civilwartalk.com/threads/cockrells-1st-missouri-brigade.130789/page-4#post-1584901

The Orphan Brigade was also one of the best-drilled Confederate brigades in the Western Theater. I don't think it and the Missouri Brigade ever went head-to-head in a drill competition but, as mentioned in that post, one almost took place between the 1st Missouri Infantry and the 2nd Kentucky Infantry while at Bowling Green, Ky., in January 1862.
 
Ok bring out the info on the Orphan Brigade.... The MO Brigade was said to have made the Stonewall Brigade look like Girl Scouts selling cookies. It held its ground until all other units retreated, had Federal units put in for cowardice because they failed to route the MO Brigade. They fought from MO, AR, MS, LA, TN, AL, KY, SC, and NC. All that remained in April 65 had been wounded more than once. Members of the brigade had fought up to 27 major engagements in CS service and some up to 6 in MSG service with a combined total of 33 major engagements. Some officers at the time of surrender were amputees still in the fight. All served with honor but when you crunch the numbers it is hard to beat the history of the 1st and 2nd- then the 1st MO Brigade. Not even mention the men in the brigade that manned the CSS Arkansas and the cotton clad fleet on the MS in mid 62.
See post #66. Actually, here's the link: https://civilwartalk.com/threads/cockrells-1st-missouri-brigade.130789/page-4#post-1584901

The Orphan Brigade was also one of the best-drilled Confederate brigades in the Western Theater. I don't think it and the Missouri Brigade ever went head-to-head in a drill competition but, as mentioned in that post, one almost took place between the 1st Missouri Infantry and the 2nd Kentucky Infantry while at Bowling Green, Ky., in January 1862.
Please note I only meant my comment as a joke, it's obvious both the Orphan and Missouri were well-drilled, hard-fighting units that earned their notoriety.
 
This makes me wonder which of the defending Confederate units had the most harrowing time: the 2nd Texas at the Lunette, the Missouri Brigade at the Crater, the 3rd Louisiana at the Redan, or the party of Texans from Waul's Legion who took back the Railroad Redoubt?
 
This makes me wonder which of the defending Confederate units had the most harrowing time: the 2nd Texas at the Lunette, the Missouri Brigade at the Crater, the 3rd Louisiana at the Redan, or the party of Texans from Waul's Legion who took back the Railroad Redoubt?

For one battle hard to say, the MO units were used as the "fire brigade" units were sent to diff areas of the line to support it. They were involved in both mine explosion attacks.

Also everything is all in good hearted fun.. no need to clarify ..
 
Below is a timeline I put together of the 1st Missouri Brigade's history to better illustrate their combat record and experience throughout the war.

  • September 1861 - The 1st Missouri Infantry Regiment is organized by Colonel John S. Bowen in Memphis, Tenn. The regiment mainly consists of St. Louisans who joined the Missouri Volunteer Militia and were captured in the Camp Jackson affair. Since St. Louis was under Federal control, they cross the Mississippi after their parole and enlist in the Confederate Army at Memphis.

  • December 1861 - While Sterling Price's Missouri State Guard is encamped on the Sac River, near Osceola, Mo., he establishes a second encampment for those who want to volunteer for Confederate service. From December to January the 1st Missouri Cavalry, 2nd Missouri Infantry, and 3rd Missouri Infantry are organized, along with Wade's and Clark's Batteries. These units are brigaded under the command of Col. Henry Little as the first brigade in Price's Division - consisting of two brigades of Confederate volunteers - hence, the 1st Missouri Brigade.

  • January-February 1862 - 1st Missouri Brigade is thoroughly drilled by Henry Little. Despite being a strict disciplinarian he gets along well with the troops. Price retreats into Arkansas in February.

  • Battle of Pea Ridge, March 6-7, 1862 - The 1st Missouri Brigade is heavily engaged at Elkhorn Tavern. They successfully drive Eugene Carr's Federal division from Elkhorn on the first day. In the Federal counter-attack on the second day they are not routed, making a fighting retreat, and are one of the last Confederate units to leave the battlefield with the rest of Van Dorn's army.

  • Battle of Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862 - Bowen's 1st Missouri Infantry Regiment see's its first action at Shiloh. They fight in the Peach Orchard on the first day, helping drive back Hurlbut's division. On the second day they recapture the guns of the 5th Company, Washington Artillery. They suffer a loss of 48 killed, 130 wounded, and 29 missing out of 850 engaged.

  • April-May 1862 - The 1st Missouri Brigade crosses the Mississippi River with Van Dorn's Army of the West. After arriving at Corinth, Miss., in April the 4th and 5th Missouri Infantry and 3rd Missouri Cavalry Battalion are organized. Henry Little is promoted to brigadier general on April 12.

  • May 1862 - At the Siege of Corinth until army is evacuated on May 29.

  • June-August 1862 - Encamped in and around Tupelo, Miss., Price's Division is reviewed by Generals Bragg and Hardee, "who pronounced it to be the finest, most efficient, best drilled and most thoroughly disciplined body of troops in the Army of the Mississippi." Lt. Col. Francis M. Cockrell is elected colonel of the 2nd Missouri Infantry after the former commander, Col. Burbridge, resigns. On August 26 the 6th Missouri Infantry is organized and mustered into service.

  • September 1862 - Col. Elijah Gates assumes command of the 1st Missouri Brigade with Henry Little in command of Price's Division, Price commanding the Army of the West. Price marches from Tupelo to Iuka, Miss.

  • Battle of Iuka, September 19, 1862 - The 1st Missouri Brigade is lightly engaged, although Henry Little is struck in the head by a stray bullet and killed.

  • Battle of Corinth, October 3-4, 1862 - On the first day the 1st Missouri Brigade under Col. Gates along with the 2nd Missouri Brigade under Brig. Gen. Martin E. Green assault and overrun the outer Federal line of works north of the town. Green's Brigade suffers heavy losses in a charge at the White House fields, the 6th Missouri losing 71.3%. On the second day the 1st Missouri Brigade charges Battery Powell just outside Corinth, overrunning the position and capturing numerous prisoners and artillery pieces. However, a Federal counter-attack forces them back out and retakes Battery Powell. The 1st Missouri Brigade suffers heavy losses and retreats with the rest of the army that afternoon.

  • October 23, 1862 - Price's troops are reviewed by Gen. Earl Van Dorn, who concludes that he has "never seen a finer looking body of men, nor of more soldierly appearance and efficiency, nor have I ever witnessed better drill or discipline in any army since I have belonged to the military service."

  • November-December 1862 - Winter quartered near Grenada, Miss., Bowen's 1st Missouri Infantry Regiment is united with the 1st Missouri Brigade and is consolidated with the 4th Missouri Infantry.

  • February 1863 - To the dismay of his troops, Sterling Price leaves for the Trans-Mississippi; John S. Bowen later takes command of his old division. The 1st-4th, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th Missouri Infantry are now all in the 1st Missouri Brigade, with the exception of the 1st and 3rd Missouri Cavalry in Green's Brigade.

  • March-April 1863 - Col. Francis M. Cockrell assumes command of the 1st Missouri Brigade. Arrive at Grand Gulf, Miss., on March 12. In April the brigade crosses the Mississippi to make a short reconnaissance in Louisiana, skirmishing with Maj. Gen. John McClernand's Corps. On April 29 they repel a Union naval attack by seven ironclads.

  • Battle of Port Gibson, May 1, 1863 - Facing McClernand's whole corps, Cockrell makes a flanking maneuver with the 3rd and 5th Missouri that stalls the Federal advance for a short while. Bowen's Division withdraws from Grand Gulf, crossing the Big Black River.

  • Battle of Champion Hill, May 16, 1863 - After the troops of Carter L. Stevenson's Division are pushed off Champion Hill by Grant's attack on Pemberton's left flank, threatening the destruction of Pemberton's army, Bowen's Division with the 1st Missouri Brigade and Green's Brigade make their distinguished counter-attack. They drive the Federals back up and over the crest of Champion Hill in some of the most vicious fighting they have ever seen. Repulsing several enemy brigades, they almost cut their way through to Grant's supply trains in his rear; however, Bowen's troops run low on ammunition and are ultimately forced to make a fighting retreat in the face of Union reinforcements. The 1st Missouri Brigade suffers a total loss of 600 men killed, wounded, and missing at Champion Hill/Baker's Creek, out of a strength of roughly 2,650 men.

  • Battle of Big Black River Bridge, May 17, 1863 - Pemberton retreats back to Big Black River. Pemberton places Bowen's Division on the east bank of the river to hold off the Union advance. McClernand's Corps attacks their lines. A Federal brigade charges down a ravine and hits a portion of the line held by John C. Vaughn's Brigade of East Tennesseans which breaks to the rear, sending the Confederate line in disarray. Bowen's Division is forced to withdraw back across the bridge; many Missourians are captured while crossing the river.

  • Siege of Vicksburg, May 18-July 4, 1863 - Pemberton's army arrives in Vicksburg on May 18. Bowen's Division is held in reserve, ordered to support any section of the Confederate line that Bowen deems the most pressed. The Missouri Brigade supports the Stockade Redan during Grant's initial assaults on May 19 and 22, repulsing every advance. When a truce is called thereafter to gather the Federal dead and wounded, it is realized that among the troops they fought were fellow Missourians from the 6th and 8th Missouri (US). Friends and relatives recognize each other and chat like old times while the truce lasts, only to continue shooting at each other the next day. Grant settles into a siege on May 25, and for the next 40 days the Missourians are under fire, day and night, fighting where it is the hottest.

  • Battle for the Crater, June 25, 1863 - The Missouri Brigade supports the Third Louisiana Redan throughout much of the siege. By June 25 the Yanks had dug sap trenches up to the face of the redan, tunneling underneath it and packing it with 2,200 pounds of gunpowder. At 2:30 p.m. the front of the redan is hurled in the air with a massive explosion, sending men, guns and other debris flying. Federal troops ready for the assault rush into the crater. Cockrell is tossed in the air but arises in no time to order his men forward into the breach. Col. Eugene Erwin, commanding the 6th Missouri, charges to the lip of the crater, waving his boys forward, only to be shot and killed. Fortunately for the Missourians and Louisianians, they had constructed a second line behind the tip of the redan before the mine was blown; from there they hold their position, but just barely. The Federals maintain their hold in the crater and both sides continued shooting at each other, throwing grenades and lighted shells just feet apart. A second mine was set off on July 1, however no assault followed and the line was desperately repaired.

  • July 4, 1863 - Vicksburg finally surrenders. Bowen's Division suffers a total loss of 758, or 31% during the siege, the highest rate of any Confederate division at Vicksburg. The Vicksburg prisoners are declared paroled and the Missourians are ordered to go to Demopolis, Ala., for eventual exchange. On the day of the surrender, Gen. Bowen had suddenly fallen terribly ill with dysentery and dies on July 13, just outside of Raymond, Miss. The Missourians are sorely effected by his loss, he having raised the 1st Missouri Regiment and gained the brigade's confidence as an inspirational division commander throughout the Vicksburg Campaign.

  • July-September 1863 - While the Vicksburg parolees are supposed to head for the parole camps, most Trans-Mississippians just leave and walked on home. The Missouri Brigade does experience some desertions during this time, though the majority decide to stay and continue to serve east of the Mississippi. They are finally declared exchanged that September. Cockrell is promoted to brigadier general July 18 and the brigade is reorganized. The 1st and 3rd Missouri Cavalry, previously in Green's Brigade, are then transferred to the 1st Missouri Brigade and the regiments are consolidated as follows: 1st-4th Missouri Inf., 2nd-6th Missouri Inf., 3rd-5th Missouri Inf., 1st-3rd Missouri Cav. (dismounted). They are assigned to Maj. Gen. Samuel G. French's Division, with Ector's Texans and Sears' Mississippians.

  • October-December 1863 - The Missouri Brigade settles into winter quarters at Meridian, Miss. To keep the men in shape they are thoroughly drilled by Gen. Cockrell, which is relatively easy compared to what they have passed through. Cockrell is also well respected by the troops, having risen through the ranks and gained their trust in battle. The 1st Missouri Brigade is praised by all, from generals to civilians, as the best-drilled force they have ever seen. In one review back at Demopolis they were even called out by President Davis for their exceptional drill, fine appearance, and unique yell. The brigade numbers 112 officers and 1,329 men by November 20, and nearly 2,000 by the end of the year as men return from wounds, capture, or furlough.

  • January-April 1864 - The brigade is moved to Mobile, Ala., on January 8. In February they leave Mobile and take part in the Meridian Campaign, only seeing light skirmishing. In April they are moved to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to flush out deserters from surrounding counties.

  • May 1864 - In eleven days the brigade moves 275 miles (75 by rail) from Tuscaloosa, Ala., to Cassville, Ga., to join the Army of Tennessee on May 18.

  • The Atlanta Campaign, May-September, 1864 - Over the next several months the Missouri Brigade and French's Division see some of the harshest campaigning they would experience throughout the war. They aren't engaged in every major battle but they are under fire, marching or digging earthworks almost every day of the campaign. From the New Hope Church line, the Lattimer House, Kennesaw Mountain, Chattahoochee River line, Peachtree Creek, and in the Atlanta defenses, the Missourians see constant skirmishing and artillery fire. Like their experience at Vicksburg, the lines are often just yards apart and sharpshooting goes on day and night. One of the major battles they play a notable part in is Kennesaw Mountain, defending Pigeon Hill against Federal attacks on June 27. The Missouri Brigade numbered 1,630 men on May 6 and about 1,100 by September, losing 531 men throughout the campaign.

  • September-October 1864 - Atlanta is evacuated and burns on September 1. The Missouri Brigade takes up position south of Atlanta until Hood moves north on October 1 to strike at Sherman's supply lines. French's Division is detached to attack Allatoona Pass on October 4.

  • Battle of Allatoona Pass, October 5, 1864 - The Missouri Brigade with French's Division assaults the Federal fortifications at Allatoona Pass, through which the Western & Atlantic R.R. runs. French's 3,276 men versus the 2,137-man garrison would be a relatively 'small' but extraordinarily fierce battle - one of the fiercest fights the Missouri Brigade would ever find itself in. Cockrell's Missourians and Ector's Texans assault Rowett's Redoubt, defended by elements from several Federal regiments, including the 7th Illinois armed with Henry repeaters. Despite that, they make the desperate charge up a slope, across the abatis, over an open, stumped field and up to the works. There the fight is hand-to-hand - bayonets and musket butts, bare fists, rocks and clods of dirt thrown - until the Yanks withdraw back to the Star Fort in the rear, alongside the railroad cut. Even though the French's men surround the fort and, enough time provided, could capture it, the news of Federal reinforcements forces French to withdraw at the last minute. Once again, the Missourians' sacrifices have been in vain. They suffer a total loss of 271 at Allatoona, out of 950 men engaged.

  • October 13, 1864 - The Missouri Brigade attacks a railroad blockhouse at Tilton, Ga., defended by the 17th Iowa Infantry. They refuse to surrender initially, until a section of artillery is brought upon the blockhouse. After a few shells they lay down their arms and 300 prisoners are taken. The Missourians help themselves to the ration stores there.

  • Hood's Tennessee Campaign, November-December 1864 - Rejoining the Army of Tennessee at New Hope Church, they march to Alabama, cross the Tennessee River and head for Tennessee. The brigade numbers only 697 men by November 20. They skirmish with the enemy at the Duck River and march into Columbia, Tenn., on November 29.

  • Battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864 - After Schofield's army slips away on the night of November 29 at Spring Hill, the Missouri Brigade find themselves marching to the outskirts of Franklin the following day. Watching the Federals dig into two lines in front of the town, the Missourians receive the news that an attack is to be made that afternoon. French's Division (only Cockrell's and Sears' Brigades) is deployed east of the Columbia Pike, between those of Cleburne and Walthall. While deploying, one Missourian quoted Lord Nelson's famous order, "England expects every man to do his duty." Irishman Sgt. Denny Callahan then replied, "It's ****ed little duty England would get out of this crowd!" Capt. Joseph Boyce later recalled that "The laugh Denny raised on this was long and hearty. They were noble fellows indeed, laughing in the face of death. Four years of war hardens men."
The brigade is aligned L-R as follows: 2nd-6th MO, 1-4th MO, 3rd-5th MO, 1st-3rd MO Cav. Sears' Brigade is initially in front, but Cockrell's is shifted ahead of it after the advance begins. As the men step off, the Missouri Brigade's brass band serenades the lines with "Dixie" and "The Bonnie Blue Flag." Wagner's advanced line of Federal troops is quickly overrun and flee to the rear, the Rebels following closely after them and up to the main Union line. As the space between the Columbia Pike and Harpeth River shortens, the Confederate lines overlap - and therefore Cockrell's Brigade is likely either one of the first or one of the last Confederate brigades to strike the main Federal line by the Columbia Pike and Cotton Gin.​
When they do make it within in range, the works explode with fire, including six artillery pieces positioned around of Cotton Gin, belching forth canister. Within minutes the Missouri Brigade's ranks are cut to shreds. Cockrell is wounded four times. Col. Elijah Gates of the 1st-3rd Missouri Cav. is shot through both arms, still riding forward on horseback until carried off to the rear. Irish Capt. Patrick Caniff of St. Louis, acting commander of the 3rd-5th Missouri, is shot off his horse, only to be shot through the head while lying on the ground. In the 1st-4th Missouri, Col. Hugh Garland is killed and second in command, Capt. Boyce is wounded. Several color bearers of the 1st-4th are shot down; Sgt. Denny Callahan grabs it up and carries it to the works where he is wounded and captured along with the flag. A few men make it to the ditch in front of the works, but hundreds are shot down short of it; those that make it are forced to lay under the Federal guns until the following morning.​

  • December 1, 1864 - The scene that morning is indescribable. The Missouri Brigade is decimated, with 98 killed, 229 wounded and 92 missing, for a total loss of 419 out of 696 engaged, or 60.2%. Of 82 officers in the brigade, 19 are killed, 31 wounded and 13 captured. Col. Peter Flournoy of the 2-6th Missouri, the highest ranking officer to make it through unscathed, is left to command the remnants of the brigade. Miraculously, Gen. Cockrell and Col. Gates survive their wounds, Gates having one of his arms amputated. Both later return to the brigade.

  • December 2-25, 1864 - After burying their dead on the field the remaining men march to join Hood at Nashville. They are not with the army during the battle, for they are sent off to establish a fort at Johnsonville at the mouth of the Duck River. After the defeat at Nashville the brigade is ordered to rejoin the army on December 20. Marching 75 miles to Pulaski and then another 20 to Bainbridge, Ala., in the freezing weather, they recross the Tennessee river on December 27.

  • January-March 1865 - Encamped around Tupelo, Miss. Detached from the Army of Tennessee, the brigade is ordered to Mobile on February 1. After recovering from their wounds, Cockrell and Gates return around this time. Cockrell assumes command of French's old division after French was forced to take sick leave due to a severe eye infection. On March 24 they are sent to Fort Blakely, across Mobile Bay on the eastern shore.

  • Siege of Fort Blakely, April 2-9, 1865 - With a major Union advance on Mobile - Gen. Edward Canby with two corps, 45,000 men - the two forts, Blakely and Spanish Fort, come under siege. Spanish Fort falls on April 9. Blakely is under siege since April 2, its garrison of 3,500 outnumbered over five to one. With Federal reinforcements sent from Spanish Fort, a major assault is launched on Blakely's defenses on April 9, the same day Lee surrenders to Grant at Appomattox.

  • The Missouri Brigade's last stand, April 9, 1865 - Positioned in Redoubt's No. 3 and 4, the remnants of the Missouri Brigade, only about 400 men, brace themselves for the coming attack. Reminiscent of their experience at Vicksburg, the Missourians were confident they would repulse the attack. Unfortunately, a large section of the works at Blakely are manned by raw, inexperienced Alabama reserves - old men and boys who will run or surrender too soon. Assaults on Redoubt's No. 3 and 4 are initially repulsed by Cockrell's veterans, but the Yankees come at them again until they reach the works. The Alabama reserves break and Federal troops pour in from the rear. A few diehard Missourians fall fighting in the last ditch, while many others are reluctantly forced to surrender or make a run for the wharf. Cockrell, Gates and nearly all of the officers are captured at the works. Some of the Federal troops, 83rd Ohio among them, recognize their captives from the surrender at Vicksburg. Only a handful of men manage to escape by jumping into Mobile Bay; some are picked up by the steamer Nashville, commanded by Lt. John W. Bennett.

  • Most of the officers are sent to Duaphine Island, while the enlisted men go to Ship Island, ten miles off the Mobile coast. The latter is merely a sand bar, and for thirteen days the men are left outside with no shelter and guarded by USCT troops. They are put on board a steamer on April 28 and transported to Vicksburg for parole. Before parole, each prisoner signs the oath of allegiance. The men say their final farewells before parting, some returning home to Missouri any way they can while others decide to settle with friends or relatives down South.

"We once numbered eight thousand; to-day would could not muster five hundred for duty. Where are those missing sons of Missouri? Go ask the bloody battle-fields of Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee; their bodies lie buried in the soldier's grave."
- Pvt. James Bradley, Co. K, 3rd-5th Missouri Infantry.

References:
Gottschalk, Phil. In Deadly Earnest: The Missouri Confederate Brigade. Columbia: Missouri River Press, 1991.

Bevier, R. S. History of the First and Second Missouri Confederate Brigades, 1861-1865. St. Louis: Bryan, Brand & Co., 1879.

Anderson, Ephraim McD. Memoirs: Historical and Personal; Including the Campaigns of the First Missouri Confederate Brigade. St. Louis: Times Printing Co., 1868.

Boyce, Joseph. Captain Joseph Boyce and the 1st Missouri Infantry, C.S.A., ed. William C. Winter. St. Louis: Missouri History Museum Press, 2011

Bradley, James. The Confederate Mail Carrier. Mexico, Mo.: n.p., 1894.

I had the privilege of knowing Phil Gottschalk when I lived in Columbia. Have a signed copy of "In Deadly Earnest". IMO that's the go to book about the Missouri Brigade.
 
I had the privilege of knowing Phil Gottschalk when I lived in Columbia. Have a signed copy of "In Deadly Earnest". IMO that's the go to book about the Missouri Brigade.
Does the Gottschalk book cover Bowen's 1st Missouri Infantry? The 1st Missouri Infantry didn't join the Missouri Brigade until 1863, so I wouldn't expect it to cover it in much detail before that point.
 
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