Looking for more information.

[austin197]

Hi,

I recently found out that both my Great, Great Grandfathers served in the Confederate army during the Civil War. I know that one was wounded at Shiloh and later died and the other was in the 1st Tennessee Cavalry(Carter's). Is there anywhere that may have details of the activities of the regiments my relatives were in?

 

[E_just_E]

This will give you a good overview on Carter's Cavalry. Do you know the regiment of your other Grandfather? If not, his name?

 

[austin197]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, the other g-g-grandfather was in the 35th Tennessee infantry. He was originally with the 53rd at Fort Donelson but escaped with Nathan Bedford Forrest when the Confederates surrendered. He later ended up in the 35th at Shiloh.

My relative in the 1st Cavalry(Carter's) was in Company K. Thanks for the link. I see he was under Johnston.

 

[bdtex]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, the other g-g-grandfather was in the 35th Tennessee infantry. He was originally with the 53rd at Fort Donelson but escaped with Nathan Bedford Forrest when the Confederates surrendered. He later ended up in the 35th at Shiloh.

My relative in the 1st Cavalry(Carter's) was in Company K. Thanks for the link. I see he was under Johnston.

Found this at NPS:

http://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-battle-units-detail.htm?battleUnitCode=CTN0035RI

35th Regiment, Tennessee Infantry (5th Infantry) (1st Mountain Rifle Regiment)
OVERVIEW:
35th Infantry Regiment formerly the 5th Tennessee Regiment Provisional Army, [also called 1st Mountain Rifle Regiment] was organized during September, 1861, at Camp Smartt, near McMinnville, Tennessee. Its men were from the counties of Grundy, Warren, Van Buren, Cannon, Sequatchie, DeKalb, Hamilton, and Bledsoe. It fought at Shiloh, Shelton's Hill, Richmond, Perryville, then moved to Knoxville, Shelbyville, and later Murfreesboro. During the war it was assigned to General L.E. Polk's, Granbury's, and Palmer's Brigade, Army of Tennessee, and from September, 1863, to April, 1864, consolidated with Nixon's 48th Regiment. The 35th participated in many battles from Murfreesboro to Atlanta, returned to Tennesee with Hood, and saw action in North Carolina. It had 369 engaged at Shiloh, lost nine percent of the 295 in theRichmond fight, and sustained 25 casualties at Murfreesboro. Twenty-nine percent of the 215 at Chickamauga were disabled and in December, 1863, the 35th/48th totalled 251 men and 207 arms. On April 26, 1865, it surrendered. The field officers were Colonel Benjamin J. Hill; Lieutenant Colonels R.B. Roberts, Joseph A. Smith, and John L. Spurlock; and Majors Joseph Brown, William W.J. Broawnlow, and G.S. Deakins.

 

[austin197]

Found this at NPS:

http://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-battle-units-detail.htm?battleUnitCode=CTN0035RI

35th Regiment, Tennessee Infantry (5th Infantry) (1st Mountain Rifle Regiment)
OVERVIEW:
35th Infantry Regiment formerly the 5th Tennessee Regiment Provisional Army, [also called 1st Mountain Rifle Regiment] was organized during September, 1861, at Camp Smartt, near McMinnville, Tennessee. Its men were from the counties of Grundy, Warren, Van Buren, Cannon, Sequatchie, DeKalb, Hamilton, and Bledsoe. It fought at Shiloh, Shelton's Hill, Richmond, Perryville, then moved to Knoxville, Shelbyville, and later Murfreesboro. During the war it was assigned to General L.E. Polk's, Granbury's, and Palmer's Brigade, Army of Tennessee, and from September, 1863, to April, 1864, consolidated with Nixon's 48th Regiment. The 35th participated in many battles from Murfreesboro to Atlanta, returned to Tennesee with Hood, and saw action in North Carolina. It had 369 engaged at Shiloh, lost nine percent of the 295 in theRichmond fight, and sustained 25 casualties at Murfreesboro. Twenty-nine percent of the 215 at Chickamauga were disabled and in December, 1863, the 35th/48th totalled 251 men and 207 arms. On April 26, 1865, it surrendered. The field officers were Colonel Benjamin J. Hill; Lieutenant Colonels R.B. Roberts, Joseph A. Smith, and John L. Spurlock; and Majors Joseph Brown, William W.J. Broawnlow, and G.S. Deakins.

Thanks for the link. I just figured out how to use the quote function.

Anyway, is there anywhere I could find out where the 35th Company K fought at Shiloh? Or how they were involved ? I realize this may be asking a bit much but you never know. I do know my relative was wounded and then taken to Columbus, Mississippi where he died a few months later. He is buried in Canton, Mississippi. There is a Methodist Church in Columbus, Mississippi that was used as a hospital. I found out that several of those wounded at Shiloh were taken there.

 

[bdtex]

Thanks for the link. I just figured out how to use the quote function.

Anyway, is there anywhere I could find out where the 35th Company K fought at Shiloh? Or how they were involved ? I realize this may be asking a bit much but you never know. I do know my relative was wounded and then taken to Columbus, Mississippi where he died a few months later. He is buried in Canton, Mississippi. There is a Methodist Church in Columbus, Mississippi that was used as a hospital. I found out that several of those wounded at Shiloh were taken there.

The battle maps at the Civil War Trust site have the field location of the individual regiments. Kinda small print so you have to enlarge them to read the numbers and state of the individual regiments.

http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/shiloh/maps/shilohmap.html

 

[E_just_E]

The battle maps at the Civil War Trust site have the field location of the individual regiments. Kinda small print so you have to enlarge them to read the numbers and state of the individual regiments.

http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/shiloh/maps/shilohmap.html

The 35th TN was originally called the 5th TN (as is on that map) and was part of Cleburne's brigade.

Here is day one (part of the L flank - look form Cleburne's brigade - click on map to make it bigger)

Expired Image Removed


Here is Day 2:

Expired Image Removed

 

[bdtex]

The 35th TN was originally called the 5th TN (as is on that map) and was part of Cleburne's brigade.

Here is day one (part of the L flank - look form Cleburne's brigade - click on map to make it bigger)

Expired Image Removed


Here is Day 2:

Expired Image Removed

They got hit pretty hard on day 2.

 

[bdtex]

Thanks for the link. I just figured out how to use the quote function.

Anyway, is there anywhere I could find out where the 35th Company K fought at Shiloh? Or how they were involved ? I realize this may be asking a bit much but you never know. I do know my relative was wounded and then taken to Columbus, Mississippi where he died a few months later. He is buried in Canton, Mississippi. There is a Methodist Church in Columbus, Mississippi that was used as a hospital. I found out that several of those wounded at Shiloh were taken there.

Another link for info. It shows,as Sgt. Major E_just_E pointed out above,that the 35th was originally the 5th Tennesee and explains why.

http://www.tngenweb.org/civilwar/csainf/csain35.htm

 

[John Hartwell]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, the other g-g-grandfather was in the 35th Tennessee infantry. He was originally with the 53rd at Fort Donelson but escaped with Nathan Bedford Forrest when the Confederates surrendered. He later ended up in the 35th at Shiloh.

My relative in the 1st Cavalry(Carter's) was in Company K. Thanks for the link. I see he was under Johnston.

Tell us their names, and I think you'll be surprised at how much more information we can dig up. There are some very dedicated and highly experienced researchers here who love to tackle questions like this.

jno

 

[ErnieMac]

From The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies.; Series 1, Volume 10, Part I, pages 587 - 589.
No. 213 Reports of Col. Ben. J. Hill, Fifth Tennessee Infantry.

HDQRS. FIFTH TENNESSEE REGT. PROV. ARMY,
Camp, near Corinth, Miss., April 15, 1862.

SIR: In compliance with your request, I have the honor to make the following report, showing the positions occupied by my command during the eventful scenes of the 6th and 7th instant at Shiloh, in Hardin County, Tenn.:

My regiment was detailed to do picket duty on Saturday night [5th], and was thrown out within 3 or 4 miles of the enemy's encampment.

At daylight Sunday morning we were ordered to advance with the balance of your brigade, the Sixth Mississippi, Colonel Thornton, on my right, and the Twenty-fourth Tennessee, Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles, on my left. We advanced some 3 miles, when our pickets commenced a sharp and lively skirmish. We continued to advance and drove them before us to within 500 yards of the Federal encampment. They opened a terrific fire upon our columns. A deep ravine, full of green briers and grape-vines, separated us from Colonel Thornton's regiment. My right was exposed to a severe flank fire from a battery and from musketry and other small-arms. We were at the foot of a long hill, upon which the enemy were hidden.

Captain Hanner, Company A, and several others were killed at this place and many wounded.

The Fifteenth Arkansas, Lieutenant-Colonel Patton, was in advance of us and deployed as skirmishers, but was soon called in to sustain the Twenty-fourth Tennessee, on the left, which it performed gallantly and promptly. The firing was constant and continuous for half or three-quarters of an hour, when one of the aides of General Beauregard came to me and said the battery on the right must be charged and silenced at all hazards. I gave the word and my brave boys promptly responded to it. We charged, dispersed the enemy, and silenced the battery. As the enemy retreated my marksmen had better opportunity for trying their skill, and well did they improve it, as was proven by the number of the enemy who there fell. We continued on at double-quick for near a mile, crossing their first encampment, and formed line of battle at the foot of the next hill.

At this time the Twenty-third Tennessee, Lieutenant-Colonel Neill, and the Sixth Mississippi, Colonel Thornton, constituting the right wing of your brigade, getting separated, you had to go to their aid.

I was then directed, as senior colonel, to take command of all the troops on my left by one of General Beauregard's staff, which I did, and formed them in line of battle, to keep back their right wing. Thus, with two Louisiana regiments on the left of your brigade, the Texas Rangers on the extreme left, on Owl Creek, a battery in our rear, the Louisiana cavalry as pickets, and the Fifteenth Arkansas, Lieutenant-Colonel Patton, as skirmishers, we advanced at once, driving the extreme right of the enemy for at least a mile before us. They halted at their third encampment and gave us a stubborn fight. The Fourth Kentucky and a battalion of Alabama troops were here on our right, sheltered under the brow of a hill. They had been giving the enemy a hot fire, but ceased as we came up. My regiment then opened a terrible fire upon the enemy and kept it up alone for a short time, when the Twenty-fourth Tennessee joined with us in firing upon them. Colonel Freeman, commanding a Tennessee regiment, with a squadron of cavalry, then moved rapidly to the left and opened fire upon their right flank. This, in conjunction with our fire in front, told with terrible effect, and they retreated, leaving many of their dead and wounded behind them.

We pursued them and had just formed on the fourth hill and in sight of their fourth encampment, when you returned to cheer us with your presence and to supply us with ammunition.

The remainder of the evening and during the next day [Monday] we fought under your immediate command. It is unnecessary for me to enumerate and recite the many charges and the many incidents that occurred on Monday, as you were in command and witnessed them all.

In conclusion, I beg leave to say that my men, though inexperienced, fought well and bravely, and never failed to charge or rally when I commanded them so to do.

As far as my observation went all the Tennessee troops fought well. So it was with the Arkansas troops, the Mississippi, the Kentucky, and the Alabama troops on the left. All of them fought nobly and gallantly and against great odds.

My regiment captured about 100 prisoners during the two days' fighting.

With great respect, your obedient servant,

BEN. J. HILL,
Colonel, Comdg. Fifth Tennessee Regiment, Provisional Army.

Brig. Gen. P. R. CLEBURNE,
Commanding Second Brigade.

[Inclosure.]

HDQRS. FIFTH TENNESSEE REGIMENT, PROV. ARMY, Camp Hill, Miss., April 22, 1862.

SIR: In obedience to Special Orders, No.-, of date the 21st instant, in relation to the number of men of this regiment engaged in the battles at Shiloh on the 6th and 7th instant, I have to report as follows, to wit:

Number detailed as infirmary or hospital corps................ 29
Number detailed to go with the artillery....................... 6
Number detailed to go with the sappers and miners.............. 1
Number detailed as wagon guard................................. 3
Number detailed to guard ammunition............................ 2

Total detailed................................................. 41​

Number of non-commissioned officers and privates engaged.......328
Number of company officers [commissioned]...................... 33
Number of field officers....................................... 3
Number of staff officers....................................... 5

Total engaged..................................................369​

In reply to that portion of the order which refers to the individual action of the officers and men of this regiment on the battle-field of Shiloh, I have to say the officers and men of the regiment fought well and acted with great coolness and bravery, considering their inexperience. Such was the conduct of most of them on the field. I am pained to report that there are a few exceptions. In Capt. John Macon's company [F] Second Lieutenant. W. R. Morrow is reported as having left the field Sunday morning under pretense of assisting a wounded brother, though he was positively forbidden so to do by his captain, and did not again return to his company during the two days' fighting. Private Dimmon Martin, of the same company, showed great timidity, and had to be repeatedly ordered to fire his gun before he would do so.

In Capt. James H. Wood's company [G], commanded by Acting Lieutenant. F. M. Gunter, Acting Lieutenant A. H. Burger and Sergt. Jacob B. Sellars left the command early on Sunday morning, the 6th, without permission from their leader, and were seen no more with the company until the regiment returned to Corinth.

In Captain Forrest's company [C], Private Samuel Evans displayed great coolness and courage. After being severely wounded, the ball passing through the cheeks, he refused to go to the rear, but remained and fought for a considerable length of time, cheering on the men and loading and shooting as fast as he could.

In Captain Towles' company , commanded by Lieutenant B. R. Womack, Privates J. D. Smith, Douglass Brien, and J. T. Pennington are mentioned as having distinguished themselves by their bravery and daring.

In Company D, commanded by Lieutenant. J. L. Jones, and subsequently, after the wounding of Lieutenant Jones, by Lieutenant. R. C. Smartt, Private John Roberts, a very young soldier, behaved with the greatest coolness and bravery throughout the whole action. He was frequently in advance of his company, was knocked down twice by spent balls, and had his gun shattered to pieces. He is but fifteen years old, but displayed the coolness and courage of a veteran.

In Company F, Capt. Edward J. Wood, Lieutenant. C. C. Brewer is spoken of in the highest terms for cool bravery and gallant bearing. Following the lead and imitating the example of his captain, one of the bravest of the brave, he was ever at the head of the men, his gallant captain only in advance, cheering them on to the conflict, and ever and anon dropping one of the Yankees as his eye would chance to light upon him. Privates Abe Boren and Isaac L. Ray, of the same company, also greatly distinguished themselves, and are spoken of in the highest terms by their comrades and their captain.

Lieutenant George S. Deakins, of Capt. W. D. Stewart's company [K], was also conspicuous throughout the engagement for coolness and gallant behavior. It is no doubt invidious to single out instances of this kind. Officers and men all did well, considering that they were raw and inexperienced, and they were out Saturday night, the whole regiment on picket duty, and consequently unrefreshed.

There is one other exception, to which duty compels me to allude. Capt. L. L. Dearman, commanding company I, acted in a very unbecoming and cowardly manner. Several times I had to threaten to shoot him for hiding far back in the rear of his men.

Respectfully submitted.

B. J. HILL,
Colonel, Comdg. Fifth Tennessee Regiment, Provisional Army.

Major POWHATAN ELLIS, JR.,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brigade, Third Army Corps.

 

[austin197]

The battle maps at the Civil War Trust site have the field location of the individual regiments. Kinda small print so you have to enlarge them to read the numbers and state of the individual regiments.

http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/shiloh/maps/shilohmap.html

Thanks. I have seen maps but none with this kind of detail.

 

[austin197]

The 35th TN was originally called the 5th TN (as is on that map) and was part of Cleburne's brigade.

Here is day one (part of the L flank - look form Cleburne's brigade - click on map to make it bigger)

Expired Image Removed


Here is Day 2:

Expired Image Removed

Great info! I was always confused as to which regiment they were called. Thanks for the maps.

The second say was when reenforcements showed up for the Union.

 

[austin197]

Another link for info. It shows,as Sgt. Major E_just_E pointed out above,that the 35th was originally the 5th Tennesee and explains why.

http://www.tngenweb.org/civilwar/csainf/csain35.htm

That helps to clear up the change. It seems many regiments were joined and moved around. It can get confusing.

 

[austin197]

From The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies.; Series 1, Volume 10, Part I, pages 587 - 589.
No. 213 Reports of Col. Ben. J. Hill, Fifth Tennessee Infantry.

HDQRS. FIFTH TENNESSEE REGT. PROV. ARMY,
Camp, near Corinth, Miss., April 15, 1862.

SIR: In compliance with your request, I have the honor to make the following report, showing the positions occupied by my command during the eventful scenes of the 6th and 7th instant at Shiloh, in Hardin County, Tenn.:

My regiment was detailed to do picket duty on Saturday night [5th], and was thrown out within 3 or 4 miles of the enemy's encampment.

At daylight Sunday morning we were ordered to advance with the balance of your brigade, the Sixth Mississippi, Colonel Thornton, on my right, and the Twenty-fourth Tennessee, Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles, on my left. We advanced some 3 miles, when our pickets commenced a sharp and lively skirmish. We continued to advance and drove them before us to within 500 yards of the Federal encampment. They opened a terrific fire upon our columns. A deep ravine, full of green briers and grape-vines, separated us from Colonel Thornton's regiment. My right was exposed to a severe flank fire from a battery and from musketry and other small-arms. We were at the foot of a long hill, upon which the enemy were hidden.

Captain Hanner, Company A, and several others were killed at this place and many wounded.

The Fifteenth Arkansas, Lieutenant-Colonel Patton, was in advance of us and deployed as skirmishers, but was soon called in to sustain the Twenty-fourth Tennessee, on the left, which it performed gallantly and promptly. The firing was constant and continuous for half or three-quarters of an hour, when one of the aides of General Beauregard came to me and said the battery on the right must be charged and silenced at all hazards. I gave the word and my brave boys promptly responded to it. We charged, dispersed the enemy, and silenced the battery. As the enemy retreated my marksmen had better opportunity for trying their skill, and well did they improve it, as was proven by the number of the enemy who there fell. We continued on at double-quick for near a mile, crossing their first encampment, and formed line of battle at the foot of the next hill.

At this time the Twenty-third Tennessee, Lieutenant-Colonel Neill, and the Sixth Mississippi, Colonel Thornton, constituting the right wing of your brigade, getting separated, you had to go to their aid.

I was then directed, as senior colonel, to take command of all the troops on my left by one of General Beauregard's staff, which I did, and formed them in line of battle, to keep back their right wing. Thus, with two Louisiana regiments on the left of your brigade, the Texas Rangers on the extreme left, on Owl Creek, a battery in our rear, the Louisiana cavalry as pickets, and the Fifteenth Arkansas, Lieutenant-Colonel Patton, as skirmishers, we advanced at once, driving the extreme right of the enemy for at least a mile before us. They halted at their third encampment and gave us a stubborn fight. The Fourth Kentucky and a battalion of Alabama troops were here on our right, sheltered under the brow of a hill. They had been giving the enemy a hot fire, but ceased as we came up. My regiment then opened a terrible fire upon the enemy and kept it up alone for a short time, when the Twenty-fourth Tennessee joined with us in firing upon them. Colonel Freeman, commanding a Tennessee regiment, with a squadron of cavalry, then moved rapidly to the left and opened fire upon their right flank. This, in conjunction with our fire in front, told with terrible effect, and they retreated, leaving many of their dead and wounded behind them.

We pursued them and had just formed on the fourth hill and in sight of their fourth encampment, when you returned to cheer us with your presence and to supply us with ammunition.

The remainder of the evening and during the next day [Monday] we fought under your immediate command. It is unnecessary for me to enumerate and recite the many charges and the many incidents that occurred on Monday, as you were in command and witnessed them all.

In conclusion, I beg leave to say that my men, though inexperienced, fought well and bravely, and never failed to charge or rally when I commanded them so to do.

As far as my observation went all the Tennessee troops fought well. So it was with the Arkansas troops, the Mississippi, the Kentucky, and the Alabama troops on the left. All of them fought nobly and gallantly and against great odds.

My regiment captured about 100 prisoners during the two days' fighting.

With great respect, your obedient servant,

BEN. J. HILL,
Colonel, Comdg. Fifth Tennessee Regiment, Provisional Army.

Brig. Gen. P. R. CLEBURNE,
Commanding Second Brigade.

[Inclosure.]

HDQRS. FIFTH TENNESSEE REGIMENT, PROV. ARMY, Camp Hill, Miss., April 22, 1862.

SIR: In obedience to Special Orders, No.-, of date the 21st instant, in relation to the number of men of this regiment engaged in the battles at Shiloh on the 6th and 7th instant, I have to report as follows, to wit:

Number detailed as infirmary or hospital corps................ 29
Number detailed to go with the artillery....................... 6
Number detailed to go with the sappers and miners.............. 1
Number detailed as wagon guard................................. 3
Number detailed to guard ammunition............................ 2

Total detailed................................................. 41​

Number of non-commissioned officers and privates engaged.......328
Number of company officers [commissioned]...................... 33
Number of field officers....................................... 3
Number of staff officers....................................... 5

Total engaged..................................................369​

In reply to that portion of the order which refers to the individual action of the officers and men of this regiment on the battle-field of Shiloh, I have to say the officers and men of the regiment fought well and acted with great coolness and bravery, considering their inexperience. Such was the conduct of most of them on the field. I am pained to report that there are a few exceptions. In Capt. John Macon's company [F] Second Lieutenant. W. R. Morrow is reported as having left the field Sunday morning under pretense of assisting a wounded brother, though he was positively forbidden so to do by his captain, and did not again return to his company during the two days' fighting. Private Dimmon Martin, of the same company, showed great timidity, and had to be repeatedly ordered to fire his gun before he would do so.

In Capt. James H. Wood's company [G], commanded by Acting Lieutenant. F. M. Gunter, Acting Lieutenant A. H. Burger and Sergt. Jacob B. Sellars left the command early on Sunday morning, the 6th, without permission from their leader, and were seen no more with the company until the regiment returned to Corinth.

In Captain Forrest's company [C], Private Samuel Evans displayed great coolness and courage. After being severely wounded, the ball passing through the cheeks, he refused to go to the rear, but remained and fought for a considerable length of time, cheering on the men and loading and shooting as fast as he could.

In Captain Towles' company , commanded by Lieutenant B. R. Womack, Privates J. D. Smith, Douglass Brien, and J. T. Pennington are mentioned as having distinguished themselves by their bravery and daring.

In Company D, commanded by Lieutenant. J. L. Jones, and subsequently, after the wounding of Lieutenant Jones, by Lieutenant. R. C. Smartt, Private John Roberts, a very young soldier, behaved with the greatest coolness and bravery throughout the whole action. He was frequently in advance of his company, was knocked down twice by spent balls, and had his gun shattered to pieces. He is but fifteen years old, but displayed the coolness and courage of a veteran.

In Company F, Capt. Edward J. Wood, Lieutenant. C. C. Brewer is spoken of in the highest terms for cool bravery and gallant bearing. Following the lead and imitating the example of his captain, one of the bravest of the brave, he was ever at the head of the men, his gallant captain only in advance, cheering them on to the conflict, and ever and anon dropping one of the Yankees as his eye would chance to light upon him. Privates Abe Boren and Isaac L. Ray, of the same company, also greatly distinguished themselves, and are spoken of in the highest terms by their comrades and their captain.

Lieutenant George S. Deakins, of Capt. W. D. Stewart's company [K], was also conspicuous throughout the engagement for coolness and gallant behavior. It is no doubt invidious to single out instances of this kind. Officers and men all did well, considering that they were raw and inexperienced, and they were out Saturday night, the whole regiment on picket duty, and consequently unrefreshed.

There is one other exception, to which duty compels me to allude. Capt. L. L. Dearman, commanding company I, acted in a very unbecoming and cowardly manner. Several times I had to threaten to shoot him for hiding far back in the rear of his men.

Respectfully submitted.

B. J. HILL,
Colonel, Comdg. Fifth Tennessee Regiment, Provisional Army.

Major POWHATAN ELLIS, JR.,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brigade, Third Army Corps.

Thanks, this is a great detailed report. I often wondered who was the officer who hid.

 

[bdtex]

From The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies.; Series 1, Volume 10, Part I, pages 587 - 589.
No. 213 Reports of Col. Ben. J. Hill, Fifth Tennessee Infantry.

HDQRS. FIFTH TENNESSEE REGT. PROV. ARMY,
Camp, near Corinth, Miss., April 15, 1862.

SIR: In compliance with your request, I have the honor to make the following report, showing the positions occupied by my command during the eventful scenes of the 6th and 7th instant at Shiloh, in Hardin County, Tenn.:

My regiment was detailed to do picket duty on Saturday night [5th], and was thrown out within 3 or 4 miles of the enemy's encampment.

At daylight Sunday morning we were ordered to advance with the balance of your brigade, the Sixth Mississippi, Colonel Thornton, on my right, and the Twenty-fourth Tennessee, Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles, on my left. We advanced some 3 miles, when our pickets commenced a sharp and lively skirmish. We continued to advance and drove them before us to within 500 yards of the Federal encampment. They opened a terrific fire upon our columns. A deep ravine, full of green briers and grape-vines, separated us from Colonel Thornton's regiment. My right was exposed to a severe flank fire from a battery and from musketry and other small-arms. We were at the foot of a long hill, upon which the enemy were hidden.

Captain Hanner, Company A, and several others were killed at this place and many wounded.

The Fifteenth Arkansas, Lieutenant-Colonel Patton, was in advance of us and deployed as skirmishers, but was soon called in to sustain the Twenty-fourth Tennessee, on the left, which it performed gallantly and promptly. The firing was constant and continuous for half or three-quarters of an hour, when one of the aides of General Beauregard came to me and said the battery on the right must be charged and silenced at all hazards. I gave the word and my brave boys promptly responded to it. We charged, dispersed the enemy, and silenced the battery. As the enemy retreated my marksmen had better opportunity for trying their skill, and well did they improve it, as was proven by the number of the enemy who there fell. We continued on at double-quick for near a mile, crossing their first encampment, and formed line of battle at the foot of the next hill.

At this time the Twenty-third Tennessee, Lieutenant-Colonel Neill, and the Sixth Mississippi, Colonel Thornton, constituting the right wing of your brigade, getting separated, you had to go to their aid.

I was then directed, as senior colonel, to take command of all the troops on my left by one of General Beauregard's staff, which I did, and formed them in line of battle, to keep back their right wing. Thus, with two Louisiana regiments on the left of your brigade, the Texas Rangers on the extreme left, on Owl Creek, a battery in our rear, the Louisiana cavalry as pickets, and the Fifteenth Arkansas, Lieutenant-Colonel Patton, as skirmishers, we advanced at once, driving the extreme right of the enemy for at least a mile before us. They halted at their third encampment and gave us a stubborn fight. The Fourth Kentucky and a battalion of Alabama troops were here on our right, sheltered under the brow of a hill. They had been giving the enemy a hot fire, but ceased as we came up. My regiment then opened a terrible fire upon the enemy and kept it up alone for a short time, when the Twenty-fourth Tennessee joined with us in firing upon them. Colonel Freeman, commanding a Tennessee regiment, with a squadron of cavalry, then moved rapidly to the left and opened fire upon their right flank. This, in conjunction with our fire in front, told with terrible effect, and they retreated, leaving many of their dead and wounded behind them.

We pursued them and had just formed on the fourth hill and in sight of their fourth encampment, when you returned to cheer us with your presence and to supply us with ammunition.

The remainder of the evening and during the next day [Monday] we fought under your immediate command. It is unnecessary for me to enumerate and recite the many charges and the many incidents that occurred on Monday, as you were in command and witnessed them all.

In conclusion, I beg leave to say that my men, though inexperienced, fought well and bravely, and never failed to charge or rally when I commanded them so to do.

As far as my observation went all the Tennessee troops fought well. So it was with the Arkansas troops, the Mississippi, the Kentucky, and the Alabama troops on the left. All of them fought nobly and gallantly and against great odds.

My regiment captured about 100 prisoners during the two days' fighting.

With great respect, your obedient servant,

BEN. J. HILL,
Colonel, Comdg. Fifth Tennessee Regiment, Provisional Army.

Brig. Gen. P. R. CLEBURNE,
Commanding Second Brigade.

[Inclosure.]

HDQRS. FIFTH TENNESSEE REGIMENT, PROV. ARMY, Camp Hill, Miss., April 22, 1862.

SIR: In obedience to Special Orders, No.-, of date the 21st instant, in relation to the number of men of this regiment engaged in the battles at Shiloh on the 6th and 7th instant, I have to report as follows, to wit:

Number detailed as infirmary or hospital corps................ 29
Number detailed to go with the artillery....................... 6
Number detailed to go with the sappers and miners.............. 1
Number detailed as wagon guard................................. 3
Number detailed to guard ammunition............................ 2

Total detailed................................................. 41​

Number of non-commissioned officers and privates engaged.......328
Number of company officers [commissioned]...................... 33
Number of field officers....................................... 3
Number of staff officers....................................... 5

Total engaged..................................................369​

In reply to that portion of the order which refers to the individual action of the officers and men of this regiment on the battle-field of Shiloh, I have to say the officers and men of the regiment fought well and acted with great coolness and bravery, considering their inexperience. Such was the conduct of most of them on the field. I am pained to report that there are a few exceptions. In Capt. John Macon's company [F] Second Lieutenant. W. R. Morrow is reported as having left the field Sunday morning under pretense of assisting a wounded brother, though he was positively forbidden so to do by his captain, and did not again return to his company during the two days' fighting. Private Dimmon Martin, of the same company, showed great timidity, and had to be repeatedly ordered to fire his gun before he would do so.

In Capt. James H. Wood's company [G], commanded by Acting Lieutenant. F. M. Gunter, Acting Lieutenant A. H. Burger and Sergt. Jacob B. Sellars left the command early on Sunday morning, the 6th, without permission from their leader, and were seen no more with the company until the regiment returned to Corinth.

In Captain Forrest's company [C], Private Samuel Evans displayed great coolness and courage. After being severely wounded, the ball passing through the cheeks, he refused to go to the rear, but remained and fought for a considerable length of time, cheering on the men and loading and shooting as fast as he could.

In Captain Towles' company , commanded by Lieutenant B. R. Womack, Privates J. D. Smith, Douglass Brien, and J. T. Pennington are mentioned as having distinguished themselves by their bravery and daring.

In Company D, commanded by Lieutenant. J. L. Jones, and subsequently, after the wounding of Lieutenant Jones, by Lieutenant. R. C. Smartt, Private John Roberts, a very young soldier, behaved with the greatest coolness and bravery throughout the whole action. He was frequently in advance of his company, was knocked down twice by spent balls, and had his gun shattered to pieces. He is but fifteen years old, but displayed the coolness and courage of a veteran.

In Company F, Capt. Edward J. Wood, Lieutenant. C. C. Brewer is spoken of in the highest terms for cool bravery and gallant bearing. Following the lead and imitating the example of his captain, one of the bravest of the brave, he was ever at the head of the men, his gallant captain only in advance, cheering them on to the conflict, and ever and anon dropping one of the Yankees as his eye would chance to light upon him. Privates Abe Boren and Isaac L. Ray, of the same company, also greatly distinguished themselves, and are spoken of in the highest terms by their comrades and their captain.

Lieutenant George S. Deakins, of Capt. W. D. Stewart's company [K], was also conspicuous throughout the engagement for coolness and gallant behavior. It is no doubt invidious to single out instances of this kind. Officers and men all did well, considering that they were raw and inexperienced, and they were out Saturday night, the whole regiment on picket duty, and consequently unrefreshed.

There is one other exception, to which duty compels me to allude. Capt. L. L. Dearman, commanding company I, acted in a very unbecoming and cowardly manner. Several times I had to threaten to shoot him for hiding far back in the rear of his men.

Respectfully submitted.

B. J. HILL,
Colonel, Comdg. Fifth Tennessee Regiment, Provisional Army.

Major POWHATAN ELLIS, JR.,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brigade, Third Army Corps.

How about Private Samuel Evans and Private John Roberts? Outstanding!

 

[AUG]

Cleburne's Brigade was heavily engaged on both days at Shiloh. It had some trouble on the first day struggling through the swampy vegetation and ground on the extreme Confederate left. According to Cleburne's biography, "Stonewall of the West" his brigade was almost split in two by the ground - the 6th MS and 23rd TN broke off from the brigade to the right and fought in the Rhea Field, while the 15th AR, 2nd, 5th (35th) and 24th TN went to the left.

Cleburne first stayed with his right two regiments, which were both shot to shreds in Rhea's Field. After failing to drive the Federals there, Cleburne went to his left regiments. The 15th AR and 2nd TN were unorganized, but the 5th and 24th TN were both intact. So he ordered the latter two to advance, which succeeded in driving the Federals from their encampment.

From then on on the first day it was mostly a running fight back to the Tennessee River. On the second day Cleburne's Brigade actually received orders from Gen. Bragg to make a counter-attack against the advancing Federal troops for no apparent reason, which only lead to more casualties. According to "Stonewall of the West" Cleburne's Brigade had lost 1,043 out of 2,750 at Shiloh.

 

[bdtex]

Thanks, this is a great detailed report. I often wondered who was the officer who hid.

Looks like you've already got 4 sources of info that you were not previously aware of. Good hunting.

 

[austin197]

Tell us their names, and I think you'll be surprised at how much more information we can dig up. There are some very dedicated and highly experienced researchers here who love to tackle questions like this.

jno

Pvt. Samuel Lafayette Daly was at Shiloh.

 

[austin197]

Cleburne's Brigade was heavily engaged on both days at Shiloh. It had some trouble on the first day struggling through the swampy vegetation and ground on the extreme Confederate left. According to Cleburne's biography, "Stonewall of the West" his brigade was almost split in two by the ground - the 6th MS and 23rd TN broke off from the brigade to the right and fought in the Rhea Field, while the 15th AR, 2nd, 5th (35th) and 24th TN went to the left. Cleburne first stayed with his right two regiments, which were both shot to shreds in Rhea's Field. After failing to drive the Federals there, Cleburne went to his left regiments. The 15th AR and 2nd TN were unorganized, but the 5th and 24th TN were both intact. So he ordered the latter two to advance, which succeeded in driving the Federals from their encampment. From then on on the first day it was mostly a running fight back to the Tennessee River. On the second day Cleburne's Brigade actually recieved orders from Gen. Bragg to make a counter-attack against the advancing Federal troops for no apparent reason, which only lead to more casualties. According to "Stonewall of the West" Cleburne's Brigade had lost 1,043 out of 2,750 at Shiloh.

This information is in a book?