Lightning Brigade

[MikeyB]

Reading Six Armies in Tennessee and just got through Chickamauga. It seems like Wilder was everywhere and really had quite a substantial and successful role, perhaps would have been even bigger if he didn't obey Dana and march off the field on day II.

So my question is, was this brigade a "one hit wonder" at Chickamauga or was it a crack unit throughout the rest of the war?

In terms of famous units, Iron Brigade, Irish Brigade, Stonewall Brigade, 20th Maine - how come Lightning Brigade isn't more of a household name? I guess because it fought in the West.

 

[C. Cash]

Wilder got sick after Chickamauga I believe, and an officer named Miller? took over. So he missed the second half of the war. But still famous and respected, especially for his actions at Chickamauga. The prejudice for the Eastern Theatre will no doubt continue to shape Civil War History, sadly. An Adjutant of the Confederate 5th TN Cavalry(McKenzie's), WG Allen, wrote that Gerrard's troopers were the best Cavalry in Sherman's Army. They had fought Wilder for 12 days leading up to the battle of Chickamauga and later in the Atlanta Campaign around Kennesaw Mtn and the fords of the Chattahoochie. You can tell from the narratives, these Confederate Cavalrymen had the tiger by the tail when dealing with Wilder's Brigade and those Spencer Rifles. Wilder and his men were viewed as the real deal by Wheeler's men.

 

[James N.]

Wilder's best work was probably done during the run-up to Chickamauga at Hoover's Gap as part of Rosecrans' so-called Tullahoma Campaign that side-stepped Bragg completely out of Tennessee into northern Georgia in the first place. Also, his postwar work ramrodding and helping create the very first National Battlefield Park Chickamauga-Chattanooga should not be forgotten either.

 

[USS ALASKA]

Collection; Master of Military Art and Science Theses
Title; Wilder's brigade in the Tullahoma and Chattanooga campaigns of the American Civil War.
Author; Harbison, Robert E.

Abstract
The thesis is a historical analysis of Colonel John T. Wilder's infantry brigade in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns of the American Civil War. In 1863 General Rosecrans, commander of the Army of the Cumberland, authorized Wilder to mount the brigade on horseback and rearm it with Spencer repeating rifles, giving the brigade unsurpassed mobility and firepower. The thesis examines the mounting and rearming of the brigade, then examines the role the brigade played in the Army of the Cumberland through the Chickamauga campaign. The primary research question concerns how effectively the leadership in the Army of the Cumberland employed the brigade in light of its capabilities. Subordinate questions concern Wilder's leadership, the impact of technology on the performance of the brigade, and the brigade's potential for offensive operations. The thesis concludes that the leadership of the Army of the Cumberland, in particular General Rosecrans, did not employ the brigade well. Lack of a clear concept of how to employ the brigade and command and control problems led to ineffectual tasks and minimal contributions. Wilder's personality compounded the problem. During the campaigns, the brigade's Spencer repeating rifles proved to be an improvement over standard-issue rifled muskets. The mobility of the brigade was its most influential asset, but the army was not able to take advantage of it.

Series; Command and General Staff College (CGSC) MMAS thesis
Publisher; Fort Leavenworth, KS : U.S. Army Command and General Staff College,
Date, Original; 2002-05-31
Date, Digital; 2002-05-31
Call number; ADA 406434
Release statement; Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)
Repository; Combined Arms Research Library
Library; Combined Arms Research Library Digital Library
Date created; 2005-05-13

CONTENTdm

cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

 

[USS ALASKA]

Butler University
Digital Commons @ Butler University
Graduate Thesis Collection
Graduate Scholarship
2016

"Send Forward Some Who Would Fight": How John T. Wilder and His "Lightning Brigade" of Mounted Infantry Changed Warfare
Eric Maurice
Butler University,

This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Scholarship at Digital Commons @ Butler University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Thesis Collection by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Butler University. For more information, please contact [email protected].

Abstract
The 17th Indiana Volunteer Regiment was part of "Wilder's Lightning Brigade", a mounted infantry brigade under Col. John T. Wilder. Through his efforts he mounted his infantry on horseback and equipped them with Spencer Repeating Rifles. This paper argues that these changes were deliberate on the part of John T. Wilder rather than emulating others, led to a conscious and noticeable change in tactics, that these changes were effective, and examines the Brigade's influences on future military tactics. Through the use a various Primary and Secondary sources, with heavy emphasis placed on diaries, letters, unit histories, and drill manuals, I show that the changes made were deliberate, noticed by the men and their adversaries, highly effective, and an early example of future forces like mechanized infantry.

https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1417&context=grtheses

Cheers,
USS ALASKA

 

[James N.]

An interesting artifact displayed in the Visitor Center's museum at Chickamauga NMP is Wilder's own personal Spencer rifle, so marked with the silver oval disc on the butt, donated by him personally to the park which he helped to create.

 

[MikeyB]

Given they were mounted infantry, not cavalry, does this mean they were trimmed in blue, not yellow? Or were they still considered part of the cavalry arm and reporting as such to the head of cavalry?

 

[C. Cash]

Gen. Wheeler utilized his Cavalry in same manner....as fast moving, mounted Infantry, though they were armed with Lorenz and Enfields and not Spencers. This was especially evident in the Atlanta Campaign.

 

[C. Cash]

View attachment 434993

An interesting artifact displayed in the Visitor Center's museum at Chickamauga NMP is Wilder's own personal Spencer rifle, so marked with the silver oval disc on the butt, donated by him personally to the park which he helped to create.

Simply wow.

 

[2nd Alabama Cavalry]

It surprises me that more people are not aware of or have researched Col. John Thomas Wilder and his famous cavalry brigade (mounted infantry). They came to be named the "Lightning brigade" because they were said to "move like lightning," as they fought. From June 1863 (Hoover`s Gap), until the close of the war they were most commonly known as "Wilder`s Lightning Brigade," and the "White Horse Brigade," as the vast majority of its members mounted beautiful white horses. In fact, they were known for three things in specific during the Civil War, the first being that they were one of the first bodies in the Federal cavalry service to receive the Spencer 7-shot repeating rifles in great abundance with which to fight, second; they became very well known for the white horses on which they fought and third; their affinity to frequently cut themselves out of harm's way with their sabers as well as engaging in saber charges whenever the opportunity availed itself. Over the years, I have done quite a bit of research on both "Wilder`s Lightning Brigade" and "Minty`s Saber Brigade." My 3rd Great Grandfather, who served with the 2nd Alabama Cavalry, in Brig. General Samuel Wragg Ferguson`s Cavalry Brigade, fought frequently against both throughout the Atlanta Campaign, with many mentioning them in letters written home as well as in their daily journals. Ferguson himself wrote of them by name several times in his daily journal and in his memoir's years later, and from his writings he seemed to be respectful of them.

It was men of "Wilder`s Lightning Brigade" who killed Col. Richard G. Earle (Regimental Commander), of the 2nd Alabama Cavalry, near Kingston, GA. at Barnsley`s Manor (Woodland, GA.) on 18 May 1864. Specifically, Private Thomas H. Boner, a sharpshooter with Company "A", Ninety-eighth Illinois Volunteers who was part of "Wilders Lightning Brigade" killed Col. Earle. During that fight the 17th Indiana Mounted Cavalry, led by Major Jacob (Joseph) G. Vail conducted a heavy part of that fight.

The following is what Brig. General Samuel Wragg Ferguson wrote in his journal and later in his personal memoirs, regarding the fight referenced above. He wrote:

"I spent one night in Rome and on the next day encountered (Colonel John T.) Wilder`s Lightning Brigade, as it was called. They were approaching a bridge which was unguarded. The 2nd Alabama (Cavalry) was at the head of my column. I ordered it to deploy and charge; this they did in handsome style, routing the enemy and chasing them for several miles, and capturing about fifty of their white horses. When they started back it was found that their Colonel, the gallant (R.G.) Earle, was missing. His fate was not known for months, when some exchanged prisoners reported that he was killed a considerable distance ahead of his regiment. His loss I feel greatly."

Pvt. Edwin Hart Robinson ("H" Troop), 2nd Regiment Alabama Cavalry was wounded during this fight against Wilder`s brigade, being shot in the leg, which resulted in him being sent to the Institute Hospital at Atlanta and having his right leg amputated. He wrote the following years later regarding this episode:

"In March, 1862, at the early age of sixteen, I was a soldier-boy with patriotic zeal. A private in Company "H" of the Second Alabama Cavalry Regiment, I served in that capacity until May 1864, when near Kingston, Ga., some careless (dam*) Yank (Wilder`s brigade) gave me an unlimited furlough. Since that day I have existed, with the aid of timber-toes, I have hobbled through life, engaged often in a desperate struggle against poverty, for an honorable maintenance for self, wife, and little ones."

In the 13 May 1909 issue of the "The Iuka Vidette" from Iuka, MS, published the following account regarding the fighting on 17-18 May 1864 involving a portion of Ferguson`s brigade. The article stated:

"A War Incident; In a skirmish between the Federal "White Horse Brigade" and that of General S. W. Ferguson, near Kingston, Ga. on May 17, 1864, the Federals were driven back leaving several dead and wounded on the rocky hillsides, upon which the conflict was fought. A private belonging to a Confederate cavalry regiment searched the pockets of one of the slain Federals, extracting there from several articles of jewelry. On his way back to camp he passed a residence and stopped to get a drink of water. A young lady brought him the water. Noticing one of her fingers bandaged he asked her the cause. "A few hours ago", she said, "some Federal cavalry pillaged the place, and one of them tore a valuable diamond ring, an heirloom, from my finger so roughly that it lacerated the flesh and I have bound it up." This made the Confederate think of the jewelry he had taken from the pocket of the dead man. He pulled it out and showed it to the young lady, who recognized her own ring among the other trinkets. Needless to say it was immediately restored to her."

I too am surprised that not more has been written about both "Wilder`s Lightning Brigade" and "Minty`s Saber Brigade" who served and fought together during the Atlanta Campaign in the 4th Division, XIV U. S. Army Corps.

 

[James N.]

Given they were mounted infantry, not cavalry, does this mean they were trimmed in blue, not yellow? Or were they still considered part of the cavalry arm and reporting as such to the head of cavalry?

I can't answer that, but know they were subject of a uniform plate issued by The Company of Military Collectors & Historians in the 1970's or 1980's. Calling @major bill !

 

[James N.]

As I previously noted, Wilder had a great deal to do with development of Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park in the 1880's and 1890's. After the war he relocated to Chattanooga and became a leading businessman and citizen, promoting all sorts of public works and development which turned the sleepy war-scarred little mountain town into an industrial center, aided by its position on both the W&ARR and Tennessee River. Wilder thrived and became a rich man in the process and turned his thoughts toward commemorating the city and its place in the war as well as his own place within the war. The final result was creation of the park and erection of monuments therein. As I've explained before, most of the state monuments commemorating those that had fought as part of the Confederacy were located on the site of its victory at Chickamauga, while Northern states placed theirs at Chattanooga, atop Lookout Mountain, on Orchard Knob, or along Missionary Ridge. One notable exception and one of the largest in the park is the Wilder Tower above, located near the site of Rosecrans' headquarters on Chickamauga Battlefield and other much smaller regimental monuments to other Federal cavalry units.. It was financed by Wilder and dedicated to himself and his Lightning Brigade. It is HUGE, even larger than it looks, containing a circular staircase to an observation deck on its crenelated top.

 

[Kurt G]

My girlfriend's great-great grandfather Thomas Thorsby was in the 123rd Illinois and fought at Chickamauga . We visited there many years ago and she climbed the tower while I stayed on the ground . I have an issue with heights. She is much more into genealogy than I am and also found a record that he purchased his Spencer when he mustered out . She had not heard of Wilder's Brigade before looking into Thorsby's records . I remember the phone call very clearly . "My great-great grandfather was in the 123rd Illinois infantry , but he rode a horse. Do you know anything about that ?" A few weeks later I got an E-mail from a very close friend of mine who is also heavily into genealogy . She asked "I had a great-great uncle who was in Mitchell's raiders . Do you know anything about them ?" I was having strong feelings of inadequacy .

 

[danny]

Reading Six Armies in Tennessee and just got through Chickamauga. It seems like Wilder was everywhere and really had quite a substantial and successful role, perhaps would have been even bigger if he didn't obey Dana and march off the field on day II.

So my question is, was this brigade a "one hit wonder" at Chickamauga or was it a crack unit throughout the rest of the war?

In terms of famous units, Iron Brigade, Irish Brigade, Stonewall Brigade, 20th Maine - how come Lightning Brigade isn't more of a household name? I guess because it fought in the West.

Imagine the dramatic effect of repeating rifles!

 

[Norman Dasinger Jr]

View attachment 435096

As I previously noted, Wilder had a great deal to do with development of Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park in the 1880's and 1890's. After the war he relocated to Chattanooga and became a leading businessman and citizen, promoting all sorts of public works and development which turned the sleepy war-scarred little mountain town into an industrial center, aided by its position on both the W&ARR and Tennessee River. Wilder thrived and became a rich man in the process and turned his thoughts toward commemorating the city and its place in the war as well as his own place within the war. The final result was creation of the park and erection of monuments therein. As I've explained before, most of the state monuments commemorating those that had fought as part of the Confederacy were located on the site of its victory at Chickamauga, while Northern states placed theirs at Chattanooga, atop Lookout Mountain, on Orchard Knob, or along Missionary Ridge. One notable exception and one of the largest in the park is the Wilder Tower above, located near the site of Rosecrans' headquarters on Chickamauga Battlefield and other much smaller regimental monuments to other Federal cavalry units.. It was financed by Wilder and dedicated to himself and his Lightning Brigade. It is HUGE, even larger than it looks, containing a circular staircase to an observation deck on its crenelated top.

The Wilder Tower was erected to commemorate both Union and Confederate soldiers at Chickamauga. Wilder's dedication speech says so.

 

[James N.]

The Wilder Tower was erected to commemorate both Union and Confederate soldiers at Chickamauga. Wilder's dedication speech says so.

That's even more appropriate, given how far Wilder went towards reconciliation with his former foes than did many of his fellow veterans.

 

[2nd Alabama Cavalry]

Given they were mounted infantry, not cavalry, does this mean they were trimmed in blue, not yellow? Or were they still considered part of the cavalry arm and reporting as such to the head of cavalry?

I am convinced that they remained dressed in infantry uniforms, as that was their official designation. Therefore, they would not have the yellow piping which identified them as cavalry. Well after they were "mounted" they were still considered as being organized as infantry regiments. They were mobilized to march by horseback but were expected to fight as infantry. However, as the war grew on, they became more like cavalry, especially by the time that they were being used under Sherman during the Atlanta and Savannah Campaigns.

Private Alva C. Griest, Company "B", 72nd Indiana Infantry, who was also part of Wilder`s Lightning Brigade, made this clear in his diary. He wrote the following regarding the brigade becoming mounted for the first time and what their expectation was:

"We are to fight as infantry, but are to do all our marching on horseback. On some accounts I like it, on some others I dislike it".

 

[ColCampbell]

As to whether they were infantry or not, they were infantry, specifically the 1st Brigade, 4th Division (Reynolds), XIV Corps (Thomas), Army of the Cumberland.

They were mounted after missing the battle of Stones River while they were trying to chase down Morgan's raiders while using mules. They had to forage for horses, ending up with "a hodgepodge of mounts that ran the gamut of thoroughbred racehorses, plow horses, old nags, brood mares, stallions, ponies, and mules. Functionality mattered, not appearance." (Holding the Line on the River of Death by Eric Wittenberg, page 21)

Wilder took out a loan to buy the Spencer rifles, but his men voted to reimburse him. Before they could have the funds deducted from their pay, they proved their use and the Federal government assumed responsibility and reimbursed Wilder (Holding the Line ..., pg. 22)

I highly recommend Wittenberg's book as an excellent study of the two Union brigades, Wilder's Lightning and Minty's Saber, and their efforts to stymie the Confederates on September 18, 1863. I've also just recently received Wilder's Brigade in the Tullahoma and Chattanooga Campaigns which is a publication from the US Army Command & General Staff College, but unfortunately the copy I received has no author nor publication date. After a little digging, I discovered that this thesis was written in 2002 by Major Robert E. Harbison. It is available for a free down-load from the Command & General Staff College.

Jim

 

[MikeyB]

As to whether they were infantry or not, they were infantry, specifically the 1st Brigade, 4th Division (Reynolds), XIV Corps (Thomas), Army of the Cumberland.

They were mounted after missing the battle of Stones River while they were trying to chase down Morgan's raiders while using mules. They had to forage for horses, ending up with "a hodgepodge of mounts that ran the gamut of thoroughbred racehorses, plow horses, old nags, brood mares, stallions, ponies, and mules. Functionality mattered, not appearance." (Holding the Line on the River of Death by Eric Wittenberg, page 21)

Wilder took out a loan to buy the Spencer rifles, but his men voted to reimburse him. Before they could have the funds deducted from their pay, they proved their use and the Federal government assumed responsibility and reimbursed Wilder (Holding the Line ..., pg. 22)

I highly recommend Wittenberg's book as an excellent study of the two Union brigades, Wilder's Lightning and Minty's Saber, and their efforts to stymie the Confederates on September 18, 1863. I've also just recently received Wilder's Brigade in the Tullahoma and Chattanooga Campaigns which is a publication from the US Army Command & General Staff College, but unfortunately the copy I received has no author nor publication date. After a little digging, I discovered that this thesis was written in 2002 by Major Robert E. Harbison. It is available for a free down-load from the Command & General Staff College.

Jim

I assume Wilder was a man of some means. Was he super affluent, or simply educated and well off?

 

[uaskme]

He was an Industrialist. Iron works. Stayed in the Chattanooga area. Invested in Iron Works. Even became mayor of Chattanooga briefly. He raised the funds for his Monument. Wanted it to be the tallest in the park. Taller than the GA monument. Economy slipped in the 1890s. So the NPS Finished it. A few feet shorter than the GA monument.

On the 20th, Wilder anchored the Federal Right. Wilder sees the 24th, 28th and 34th Alabama approaching the fields of the Widow Glens. This is the far left of Longstreet's Break through. So, Wilder advances to the slope beside where his monument is. Unleashes a sustained, consecrated, fire on these 3 Regiments. I suspect he set a record on how many Rounds he expended. Perfect circumstances for it.