At the age of 17, Thomas Allen Wilson and his older brother enlisted as privates in Company E of the 4th Missouri Infantry along with many of their Laclede County (Missouri) neighbors. Due to heavy losses (including his brother John William Wilson at Corinth), Company H was merged into Company E in the 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry under the command of Colonel Amos C. Riley. With Missouri under control of the Union and lawless partisan bands roaming the Ozarks, these Missouri confederate soldiers had no home to return to as they were just as likely to be hanged for serving in the rebel cause as they would be for changing their allegiance. For example, to avoid his return to the south after surrendering at Vicksburg (July 4, 1863) one member of Thomas Allen Wilson’s Company E (Private Marshall D. Friend) petitioned to return instead to Illinois claiming he had been “forced into the service of the Rebels against” his will.[1] Consequently, after surviving the horrors of Siege of Vicksburg around 300 of the 344 men (nearly 90%) from the 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry (including Thomas Allen Wilson) rejoined their old units in the 1-4th after they were paroled following their surrender at Vicksburg, Mississippi.
*Thomas Allen Wilson is the paternal Grandfather of William Floyd Wilson
In May of 1864, Thomas A. Wilson and his Company E along with the other members of the 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry were part of the 1st Missouri Brigade that was ordered from Alabama to reinforce the outnumbered Confederate Army of Tennessee (50-60,000 men) to defend defend against over 110,000 Union troops led by Major General William Tecumseh Sherman that had invaded Georgia from near Chattanooga (Tennessee) in what would be known as the Atlanta Campaign. During the Confederate defense of Atlanta (Georgia), the 1st Missouri Brigade was under the command of Brigadier General Francis Marion Cockrell in Major General Samuel Gibbs French’s Division. Commonly referred to as Cockrell’s Brigade, the 1st Missouri Brigade included the 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry under the command of Colonel Amos C. Riley, the 2-6th Consolidated Missouri Infantry under the command of Colonel Peter C. Flournoy, the 3-5th Consolidated Missouri Infantry under the command of Colonel James McCown, and the 1-3rd Consolidated Missouri dismounted Calvary under the command of Colonel Elijah Gates. With General Robert E. Lee and his Confederate Army of Northern Virginia defending Richmond (Virginia) from an invasion by Lieutenant General Ulysses S. General Grant’s Union Army, the overall command of the 50,000-60,000 Confederate troops defending Atlanta fell to General Joseph E. Johnston and his Confederate Army of Tennessee.
Following the fighting near New Hope Church (May 25-26, 1864), Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade had remained in their entrenched position under deadly fire of sharpshooters that had killed Thomas Allen Wilson’s commanding officer Colonel Amos C. Riley. Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Garland assumed command of the 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry and the brigade was ordered to fall back to a new position near the Latimer Farm (present-day Marietta Country Club) on Mud Creek on the night of June 4 (1864). Thomas Allen Wilson and the other men in Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade “marched all night” through the “intensely dark night” in mud that was “almost knee deep“. Private John Wharton of Captain Henry Guibor’s Missouri Battery recorded in his diary that “the calves of my legs ached” and that he “suffered more on this account than in any other retreat“.[2]
Latimer Farm
After pressure from Major General William T. Sherman’s Union forces threatened to flank the Confederate lines near Gilgal Church (near present-day Due West Elementary School, Marietta, Georgia), Confederate forces were forced to withdraw back to a fortified line along Mud Creek on June 16, 1864. This left Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade, fortified line just east of the headwaters of Mud Creek (near the Latimer House) exposed to crossfire from Union forces. Recognizing the vulnerability the sharp angled line near the Latimer House, General Joseph E. Johnston set about moving the Confederate forces back to a defensive line astride of Kennesaw Mountain. This was complicated and delayed by a severe rainstorm that struck the lines on the night of June 17 and lasted for several days.
Next to Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade was Brigadier General Matthew Ector’s Brigade of Major General Samuel Gibbs French’s Division. Reorganized on April 5, 1864; Ector’s Brigade included the 9th Texas Infantry commanded by Colonel William Hugh Young; the 10th Texas Calvary (dismounted) under the command of Colonel C. R. Earp; the 14 Texas Calvary (dismounted) under the command of Colonel John L. Camp; the 32nd Texas Calvary (dismounted) under the command of Colonel Julius A. Andrews; the 29th North Carolina Infantry under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bacchus S. Proffitt; and the 29th North Carolina Infantry under the command of Colonel David Coleman. According to the last available Muster Rolls (dated April 5, 1864), 2nd Corporal Madison Shepherd was still serving in Captain Dee Ridley’s Company K of the 9th Texas Infantry.[3]
**Madison “Matterson” Shepard (Sheppard) is the paternal Grandfather of Eula Claudine Reed
On June 18, 1864, the skirmishers in front of Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade fortified lines came under increasing fire on the flank as Union forces moved up in small squads to a point in their front where they were protected by works that had previously beed abandoned by the Confederate forces. Captain Joseph Boyce of the 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry recalled that the men (likely including Thomas Allen Wilson) “were standing in the rifle-pits in water up to their waists” and “only occasionally were we able to fire a shot” as their paper cartridges for their Enfield rifled-muskets were soaking wet. He added that they were “under a steady fire” from Union forces “armed with Henry rifles and metallic cartridges which were waterproof” that were able to cover themselves from the rain “with rubber blankets“.[4] The position of Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade became untenable as skirmishers on the left (Major General William H. T. Walker’s Division of Hardee’s Corps) “gave way and let the enemy in behind Cockrell’s skirmishers, and enabled them to gain the Latimer house” and “Ector’s skirmishers also came in“.[5]
- According to other sources, the Union men in the 100th Illinois Infantry were armed with the Spencer repeating rifle. Designed by Christopher Spencer in 1860, the lever action Spencer Rifle the world’s first military metallic-cartridge repeating rifle with seven rounds of ammunition in the stock making it possible to fire eight rounds without reloading.
In the midst of the fighting, William L. Truman of Captain Henry Guibor’s Missouri Battery recalled “while the minnie balls were hissing around us. An infantry man near my gun in Ector’s Brig. received a slight wound in the arm or hand and jumped up and started for the rear, another man, in violation of orders, jumped out of the trenches, and grabbed the wounded man to assist him to the hospital. They both started full speed under fire, the well man holding the wounded one by his well hand, they had not gone more than fifty yards before the well man stumped his toe and fell, the wounded one jerked loose and continued to race for a place of shelter. When the other man got up the man he was trying to assist to the hospital, had gotten some ten yards the start, and the race to catch the wounded man to take him to the hospital is what brought forth the shouts and laughter.” Truman added that this “brought forth a roar of laughter from cannoneers and infantry men” as it “was the most amusing and exciting footrace I ever saw“.[6]
Around 4 o’clock in the afternoon the Union formed battle lines led by Colonel Frederick Bartleson (100th Illinois Infantry) and advanced on the Confederate skirmishers under the command Captain Joseph Boyce. Although they were ordered to “hold the position at all hazards“, unable to return fire Captain Joseph Boyce and the skirmishers fled their positions back to the Brigade’s main lines “in double-quick time, every man save himself“. According to Boyce, “this was the only time I can recollect we gave up a position“.[7] Despite the heavy crossfire, Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade main lines held until they were ordered to withdrawn after dark to the new fortified position on Little Kennesaw Mountain near Pigeon Hill. With the skirmish lines remaining until 2 a.m., after fighting all-day Thomas Allen Wilson and Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade waded through the mud and cold water marching all night with the final miles up the steep slope by the flank in single file.[8]
Map dated June 1864 showing the positions of Union troops on the north side of Mud Creek and west of the Latimer House (noted just above “4 C”) along with the local roads and other residences (Library of Congress). Although the exact day in June was not recorded, it is likely the map was made immediately following the withdrawal of Cocrkrell’s Missouri Brigade (including Thomas Allen Wilson) from their fortified positions just south of the Latimer House on the night of June 18, 1864.
General French reported the casualties were “severe” noting “Captain Guibor had served with his battery throughout the siege of Vicksburg, yet his loss this day of thirteen men is greater than that sustained during the whole siege“.[9] Although the casualty report for Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade during the engagement at the “Latimer House” was combined with the action on Kennesaw Mountain, reported for individuals recorded in the National Archives reveal that Lieutenant William B. Couchman of Thomas Allen Wilson’s Company E in the 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry was wounded during the fighting at the “Latimer House” on June 18, 1864. Other casualties of the 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry included Corporal Irwin Kirkpatrick (Company F) and Private John F. Crowley (Company D) who were both mortally wounded in fighting on June17 and June 18, 1864. In addition, Sargent John J. Corkery (Company H) was wounded; and 2nd Lieutenant James H. Bradley (Company H), Sargent John A. Kunkel (Company H), and Sargent Benjamin F. Dobbins (Company H) were captured by the Union at the “Latimer House” on June 18, 1864. Likewise, Private Otto K. Laubshire (Company D) “was captured on the picket line while he was carrying off a wounded companion” on June 18, 1864. [10]
Kennesaw Mountain (Pigeon Hill)
Only 17 miles northwest of the heart of Atlanta (near present-day Marietta, Georgia), the Kennesaw Mountain line encompassed a ridge that stretched from Kennesaw Mountain south to Pigeon Hill. The high point rose around 700 feet from the valley to the top of Kennesaw Mountain and the ridge dropped down about 300 feet to “Little Kennesaw Mountain” before dropping down another 200 feet to the conical rise known as Pigeon Hill that stood about 200 foot above the valley over looking Burnt Hickory Road. As they entrenched on Pigeon Hill, Samuel B. Dunlap noted in his diary that the men in Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade (including Thomas Allen Wilson) were in “poor shape to travel over the rocks and prickly pears” as “at least one third of them were entirely barefoot or their toes sticking through their shoes“.[11]
From the elevate position, the Confederates had “a grand view” of the valley below “swarming with a well-equipped foe” of Union forces. After struggling to move the artillery pieces up the steep rocky ground, Captain Henry Guibor’s Missouri battery along with the other Confederate batteries opened up a rapid fire on the Union “wagons trains” and “work parties” scattering the men on the afternoon of June 19, 1864.[12] When the first Union shells fell at the foot of the ridge, the Confederates cheered believing they were beyond the range of the Union artillery. The next Union shells fell farther up the slopes of the ridge and soon the Union artillery found the range on the Confederate lines with one of the men in General Samuel French’s third brigade (General Sear’s Mississippi Brigade) literally cut in half by the fourth Union salvo and Private Albert Lee (Company K, 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry) of Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade wounded.[13] On June 22, Brigadier General F. M. Cockrell reported 14 of his men had been wounded by the Union artillery barrage and General French reported the Union “commenced a rapid artillery fire from guns put in position during the night” on June 23 adding “yesterday we had it all our own way-to-day they are repaying us“.[14]
Photo of the Confederate positions on Pigeon Hill during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain taken in the early fall of 1864 by George Barnard (Library of Congress). Positions north of Burnt Hickory Road on Pigeon Hill were held by Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade (including Thomas Allen Wilson) during the battle on June 27, 1864.
After determining that the Confederate defensive positions positions astride of Kennesaw Mountain were too strong for a frontal assault, the Union’s commander General William T. Sherman attempted to turn the left flank of the Confederate defensive lines south of the Powder Spring Road. Anticipating this, General Joseph E. Johnston had moved one of his Confederate corps under General John Bell Hood to counter the Union movements. When his skirmishers encountered the Union forces south of Powder Springs Road on the fields of Kolb’s Farm, the aggressive General Hood attacked Union positions without knowing their strength and was repulsed after sustaining heavy casualties (estimated 1,000 men killed, wounded & missing) on June 22, 1864. Despite the victory, Union forces failed to advance and exploit General Hood’s blunder allowing the Confederate left flank to hold.
Following the victory at Kolb’s Farm, Union commander General William T. Sherman determined the Confederate defensive lines astride of Kennesaw Mountain had been stretched too thin offering an opportunity to split General Johnston’s Confederate Army of Tennessee. General Sherman ordered a full frontal assault for June 27 (1864) that would focused about 5,500 Union troops under General John A. Logan on the entrenched Confederate lines held by General French’s Division overlooking Burnt Hickory Road (Pigeon Hill) with another 8-9,000 Union troops under General George H. Thomas striking the Confederate lines held by the Divisions of General Patrick R. Cleburne and General Benjamin F. Cheatham a few miles south defending the Dallas Road on what is now known as Cheatham Hill. During the assault, General Sherman hoped to prevent General Johnston from reinforcing his lines by having Union troops pressing against the entire line of Confederate defenses with feints demonstrating as if full scale assaults.
On June 27, 1864, the Union artillery opened fire on the entrenched Confederates positions from 6-8 a.m. as the three brigades of Union troops prepared for their assault on the Confederate entrenched positions of Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade (including Thomas Allen Wilson’s Company E, 1-4th Missouri Infantry) on Pigeon Hill. The Union Brigade under General Charles C. Walcutt with 1,500 men (including the 46th Ohio armed with Spencer repeating rifles) opened the fighting at 8 a.m. as they appeared from the cover of the trees to move up the slopes of the saddle between Pigeon Hill and Little Kennesaw. As Walcutt’s Brigade drew fire, to the right with 2,000 troops the Union brigade of General Giles A. Smith attacked directly up the slopes of Pigeon Hill with another 2,000 Union troops in General Joseph A. J. Lightburn’s Brigade pressing south of Burnt Hickory Road along the flatter ground below Pigeon Hill.[15]
Sketch of General Sherman at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain published by Alfred R. Ward in 1864 (Library of Congress).
Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas M. Carter, Cockrell’s skirmish line from the 2-6th Consolidated Missouri Infantry were attacked by “a very heavy line of skirmishers” from Lightburn’s Brigade of Union Infantry “closely followed by two lines of battle” that “advanced into the skirt of timber in front of the open field at the foot” of the slopes and “just south” of Burnt Hickory Road. After brutal hand to hand fighting, Lightburn’s Brigade succeeded in over running the skirmish lines of the 63rd Georgia Infantry before Lightburn’s Brigade was forced to halt due to a deadly crossfire from the main entrenched line of General Hugh Mercer’s Georgia Brigade and Cockrell’s men along with a devastating “ranking artillery fire” from Guibor’s Missouri battery. With “all the reserves” of his “skirmish line…thrown out to protect” his “left flank“, Cockrell’s skirmishers were able to temporarily hold-up the advance of Smith’s Brigade despite the collapse of the left wing of the skirmish lines. Lieutenant Colonel Carter and his “skirmishers fought very stubbornly” as they “were pressed back up the gorge on the right, followed by the enemy at the distant of thirty to forty paces” as they fell back up the slope to Cockrell’s main entrenched line. While falling back, Lieutenant Samuel Ross of Company K (2-6th Consolidated Missouri Infantry) was killed and 41 of the skirmishers were “missing” with “many…known to be either killed or wounded“. This included several of Cockrell’s skirmishers that were captured as they tried to break through the Union lines that had formed behind them.[16]
After driving Cockrell’s skirmishers back with heavy losses, Lieutenant George W. Warren (3-5th Consolidated Missouri Infantry) noted Smith’s Brigade appeared as “a solid line of blue emerging from the woods, a hundred yards below” Colonel McCown’s regiment which was located second on the left of Cockrell’s main line with Walcutt’s Brigade moving up the gorge on Cockrell’s right and the left of Sear’s Mississippi Brigade. As they moved up the “steep and rugged” slope “covered with fallen trees and precipitous rocks” the Union troops “made an assault in force and succeeded in getting within twenty-five paces of the works, and by secreting themselves behind rocks and other shelter held this position for fifteen or twenty minutes” before they attempted a final failed attempt to gain the Confederate line. Resting their Enfield muskets on the low protective earthen works, Cockrell’s elite veterans (including Thomas Allen Wilson’s Company E, 1-4th Missouri Infantry) maintained a devastating fire on the Union troops with a “portion of Colonel McCown’s regiment” reloading and firing an astonishing “sixty rounds to the man” (one shot per minute). Stating the “battle was simply a slaughter“, Captain Joseph Boyce (1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry) recalled “the Federal troops moved up steadily and into this valley of death, where they were met by a terrible fire of musketry from our brigade” and it was sickening how “the cannister tore through their ranks“. Lieutenant James A. Kennerly (1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry) wrote “we mowed them down like hay, killing one Colonel. one major and…other officers“.[17]
Map showing the defensive positions of Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade and general line of attack by the Union forces during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain (Georgia) on June 27, 1864.
From his elevate position, “owing to the woods at the base of the mountain” General Samuel G. French “could see no infantry on my immediate front” so he had directed Guibor Missouri Battery to direct his artillery on the Union advance of Lightburn’s Brigade and “in a short time the flank fire down the line drove them back“. Screened from the Union advance of Smith’s and Walcutt’s brigades, from his “bird’s-eye view” General French observed “through the rifts of smoke…the assault made on Cheatham, and there the struggle was hard, and there it lasted longest” with “so many guns were trained on those by our side, and so incessant was the roar of cannon and sharp the explosion of shells, that nought else could be heard“. Consequently, General French was “surprised…when a courier came…about 9 o’clock and said General Cockrell wanted assistance, that his line had been attacked in force“. General French quickly ordered “General Ector…to send two regiments to report to” Cockrell before ordering and “the remainder of Ector’s brigade to Cockrell“. By the time General French arrived with Ector’s Brigade (including Madison Shepard’s 9th Texas Infantry) “the Federal forces had been repulsed” and “exposed to the fire of the Missourians in front and right flank and of Sears’s men on the left — it seemed to melt away or sink to the earth to rise no more“.[18]
General Cockrell reported the “the bodies of 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, and some 30 soldiers of the enemy were left dead in my front, and so close to my lines that they could not be carried off“. Although the assault was over within an hour, many of the Union troops were unable to safely withdraw and were forced to remain out in the sun without water concealed behind the rocks to avoid the fire from Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade. Several of the Union troops were killed after they had managed to make it back down to the bottom of the Pigeon Hill, including “Lieutenant William D. Lomax and Sargent James W. Kays of Company K” (55th Illinois) who “were both hit by the same bullet while passing a canteen between them” (both survived). In the assault on Pigeon Hill, the Union losses reported by General John A. Logan totaled 586 men (killed, wounded & captured) with Smith’s Brigade having lost 317 men including Captain Jacob M. Augustine, Captain William C. Porter, and Captain Aaron B. Chamberlain killed; and Walcutt’s Brigade suffering 246 men killed and wounded with Lieutenant Colonel Rigdon S. Barnhill killed.[19]
General Cockrell reported that his Missouri Brigade had “loss in the engagement” on Pigeon Hill (June 27) had “been 10 killed, 2 mortally wounded, 27 severely, 28 slightly, and 42 missing” skirmishers. He added that “Lieut. A. D. Manning, a minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and a most exemplary Christian” was “among the killed” and that “nine of the killed and 27 of the wounded belong to Colonel McCown’s regiment, where the heaviest assault was made“.[20] This included Private Patrick Crawla (Company D, 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry) who lost his right arm due to his wounds.[21] During the engagements at “Latimer House” (June 18) through the battle of Kennesaw Mountain (June 27), a total of 41 men in Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade had been killed, with 247 men wounded, and another 72 men missing. This included one man killed, with 44 wounded, and another 11 missing in Thomas Allen Wilson’s 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry; 9 killed, 90 wounded and 58 missing in the 2nd-6th Consolidated Missouri Infantry; 16 killed and 70 wounded (none missing) in the 3-5th Consolidated Missouri Infantry; and 15 killed, 43 wounded, and 3 missing the 1-3rd Consolidated Missouri Calvary (dismounted).[22]
Similarly, from the engagements at “Latimer House” (June 18) through the battle of Kennesaw Mountain (June 27) General Ector’s Brigade reported 27 men killed with another 145 men wounded and 65 men missing. This included 6 killed with another 10 wounded in Madison Shepard’s 9th Texas Infantry; 2 killed, 35 wounded, and two missing in the 10 Texas Calvary (dismounted); 2 killed, 18 wounded, and 7 missing in the 14 Texas Calvary (dismounted); and the 32 Texas Calvary (dismounted) reported 7 men killed and 23 men wounded. In addition, the 29th North Carolina Infantry reported 4 killed, 32 wounded, and 55 missing; and the 29th North Carolina Infantry reported 6 killed, 27 wounded, and one missing.[23]
- On July 4, 1864, private Squire McCall of Company F (1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry) was captured by the Union after he had deserted to avail himself of the Amnesty Proclamation. McCall claimed he had been forced to enlist in the rebel army.[24]
Despite repulsing the assaults of the Union Army and holding his defensive positions astride of Kennesaw Mountain (near present-day Marietta, Georgia), General Joseph E. Johnston was forced to withdrew his outnumbered Confederate Tennessee Army due to Union forces under Major General John M. Schofield threatening the southern flank of the Confederates lines. Frustrated with the Union continued advance on Atlanta, Confederate President Jefferson Davis sent a letter to General Robert E. Lee outlying the necessity to replace General Joseph E. Johnston with someone like General John B. Hood who had claimed directly to Davis that Johnston had “failed to take advantage” of opportunities to defeat the Union army. General Lee’s response both questioned the necessity of changing command while actively engaged with the Union army and expressed doubts of General Hood as a replacement indicating General William J. Hardee was more qualified.[25]
Davis failed to heed the advice of General Robert E. Lee, and sent a telegraph to General Johnston that he had been relieved of his command and was to be replaced by General John B. Hood on July 17, 1864. Captain Joseph Boyce noted that “this change of commanders was the source of universal regret and created a great deal of talk among the men” in the 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry which included Thomas Allen Wilson’s Company E. He explained that “Old Joe” (General Johnston) had earned “the confidence of the army” during his “masterly and deliberate campaign of seventy-two days in presence of an enemy that outnumbered him over two to one” that was “composed of the best fighting material assembled under the Union flag during the war“. Boyce added that General William J. Hardee “would have been much more acceptable” to the men as the successor than General Hood.[26]
Battle of Peachtree
From July 17 to August 8 (1864), “Colonel Elijah Gates, of the First and Third Missouri Cavalry (dismounted)” was placed in command of the Missouri Brigade while General Cockrell recovered from a wound. General Cockrell would later report that “on the morning of July 17 this brigade occupied a line of temporary works just commenced south of the Chattahoochee River, and labored assiduously in completing and strengthening the same during that day and during the 18th, 19th“.[27] After learning that Union forces were advancing across Peachtree Creek, the aggressive General John B. Hood again underestimate the Union position and strength (particularly the artillery) when he ordered his Confederate forces to attack and destroy the Union force while it was moving into position south of Peachtree on July 20, 1864. However, the attack was delayed by almost 3 hours when Union troops under Brigadier General James B. McPherson advance from Decatur along the Georgia railroad threatened the right flank of the Confederates defenses of Atlanta which allowed the Union troops time to entrench in their new positions south of Peachtree Creek(see below).
Cropped from map showing the positions of General Ector’s Brigade (far left) along with Colonel Elijah Gate’s Missouri Brigade next to it as they attacked the western flank of General Hooker’s Corps along Peach Tree Creek on July 20, 1864 (American Battlefield Trust).
On the July 20, 1864, Colonel Elijah Gates’ Missouri Brigade (including Thomas Allen Wilson’s Company E, 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry) “moved by the right flank to Peach Tree Creek road, and then fronted and moved to the front by the right of companies about half a mile, and formed in line about 5 p. m., with the right resting in rear of Selden’s battery, then engaged in a fierce artillery duel. The brigade was a reserve, and was ordered by Major-General French to keep at a distance of 400 yards from Major-General Walthall’s division. The brigade remained in this position till after dark, and then moved back to the original position on the Chattahoochee south of Peach Tree Creek. Although the brigade did not have an opportunity to fire, yet it was exposed to a heavy artillery fire, particularly the right regiment, the First and Third Missouri Cavalry (dismounted).“[28]
In his diary, Lieutenant George Warren of the 3-5th Consolidated Missouri Infantry recorded that on “July 20 – this morning there was every indication of an early engagement. Troops were being hurried from left to right. About noon we were put in motion, marched about three miles to the right, halted, closed up ranks and loaded. General French gave the command, forward march. Advancing in line of battle about a quarter of a mile we joined on the line on our right. When this was done the whole line advanced at a charge. The enemy opened on us heavily with artillery. After charging several hundred yards through dense woods, our advance was checked by a broad and deep mill point. We halted on the bank for a short time, then fell back to the woods for protection. The line to the right of us continued to charge…We laid down under the fire of their batteries and remained there some five hours until night…They gave it to us hot and heavy until dark. A shell struck the ground a few feet from me and buried me under a half cart load of dirt. Grape (canister) came over continuously, in installments of a half peck each. Just before night I was struck in the head by a stray minie), the ball furrowed up a ridge across the top so I can thank a merciful providence for a narrow escape. Somewhere between 40 and 60 of the brigade are killed and wounded, some of them terribly mangled by shells.“[29]
Photo by George Barnard of the battlefield of Peachtree Creek (Georgia) following the battle on June 27, 1864. The graves of soldiers killed are marked with wooded planks (Library of Congress).
Brigadier General Cockrell reported the following casualties of his brigade on July 20 (1864): “The losses of this day were Sergeant Craighead, Company B, killed, and Captain H. Wilkerson and Lieutenant J. T. Mahan, both excellent officers, and 6 men, all of the First and Third Missouri Cavalry, wounded, and from the First and Fourth Missouri Infantry 3 severely wounded, from the Second and Sixth Missouri Infantry 2 wounded, and from Third and Fifth Missouri Infantry 1 slightly wounded, making an aggregate loss of 1 killed and 14 wounded.“[30] The 3 severely wounded men in the 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry included Private Thomas A. Wilson of Company E and and Drum Major Charles E. Barroll (Barrell) of Company F.[31] In the fighting along the Chattahooche and Peachtree Creek (July 20), Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade reported 11 killed, 70 wounded, and 6 missing. This included 4 killed and 16 wounded in the 1-4th Consolidated Missouri Infantry; one killed, 22 wounded, and one missing in the 2nd-6th Consolidated Missouri Infantry; two killed, 13 wounded, and 5 missing in the 3-5th Consolidated Missouri Infantry; and 4 killed and 19 wounded in the 1-3rd Consolidated Missouri Calvary (dismounted).[32]
The casualties reported for Ector’s Brigade in the fighting along the Chattahooche and Peachtree Creek (July 20) were a bit higher with 26 men killed, 122 men wounded, and 43 men missing. Specifically, Madison Shepard’s 9th Texas Infantry reported 6 men killed with another 10 men wounded and one man missing; the 10 Texas Calvary (dismounted) reported 4 men killed, 28 men wounded, and another two men missing; the 14 Texas Calvary (dismounted) reported 5 men killed, 20 men wounded, and two men missing; and the 32 Texas Calvary (dismounted) reported 4 men killed and 8 men wounded. Similarly, the 29th North Carolina Infantry reported 2 men killed, 26 men wounded, and 32 men missing; and the 29th North Carolina Infantry reported 5 men killed, 18 men wounded, and 5 men missing.[33]
- On July 20, 1864, the total casualties (killed, wounded, & missing) from the Battle of Peachtree Creek were estimated to have been 4,796 men from General Hood’s Confederate forces compared to 1,710 men for the Major General George H. Thomas’ Union forces.
- On this same day, Private Jonathan Burns (a distant cousin of James Love Burns) of the Company C in the 29th Alabama Infantry (Confederate) was “shot in his right thigh”[34] close by as part of the charge of Cantey’s brigade led by Colonel Edward A. O’neal against the Union lines near Collier Road.
**James Love Burns is the maternal Great-Grandfather of Eula Claudine Reed
Aftermath
After failing to defeat the Union forces at Peachtree Creek, General John B. Hood would be defeated again in the Battle of Atlanta on July 22 (1864) and soon would be forced to abandon Atlanta on the night of September 1-2, 1864. On December 6, 1864, a list of the casualties incurred by the 1st Missouri Brigade (Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade) during operations around Atlanta (Georgia) from July 17 to September 7 (1864) listed that Private Thomas A. Wilson of Company E (1st & 4th Infantry) had been severely wounded on July 20, 1864.[35] As a result of his injuries, Thomas Allen Wilson’s left leg was amputated and he would spend most (if not all) of the remainder of the war in hospitals recovering from his injuries (see below).
Copies of two of the compiled Civil War service record cards for Thomas A. Wilson (National Archives).
It should be noted that Missouri State Archives reported Private Thomas A. Wilson of Company E (4th Missouri Regiment) was engaged during the Georgia Campaign and severely wounded on July 22, 1864. Likewise, another compiled service card in the National Archives listed Private Thomas A. Wilson of Company E (4th Regiment Missouri Infantry) was severely wounded on July 22, 1886.[36] However, this date appears to be incorrect since Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade was not reported to have been in action on July 22 (1864) when Confederate forces attacked Union positions (known as the Battle of Atlanta). Moreover, General Cockrell reported that his brigade did not engage the enemy again until August 6 (1864) while reporting that “on the morning of July 21 the brigade was moved to the right about one mile and half, and deployed at intervals of four paces, and so remained till night-fall, when it was moved to the immediate defenses of Atlanta, and took a position west of the city, with the right resting on Turner’s Ferry road, and at once began the construction of field-works, and here performed immense labor, working by day and by night. The brigade was here formed in one rank and completed works covering its front in one rank, and was then moved to the left a greater distance than its front in one rank, and at once constructed works covering its new front, and when these last were completed moved back to its first position with the right on Turner’s Ferry road. The brigade not only completed this long line of works, twice the length of the brigade in one rank, but also constructed a triple line of picker works, with abatis between each line, in front of the main line, and also digger a continuous rifle-pit for the entire skirmish line, and constructed in its front a line of picket work with an abatis, and in rear of this skirmish line constructed a reserve skirmish line with picket work and abatis in its front, and in addition to all this did much labor in construction of redoubts for the batteries.“[37]
Although greatly feared as they were often preformed without anesthesia, amputations improved a soldiers chance to survive the damage caused by shrapnel due to the medical limitations treating deadly complications such as gangrene. Moreover, prior to the end of 1864 Cockrell’s Missouri Brigade would be decimated during the second Battle of Franklin (November 30, 1864) with casualties exceeding 60% of the 696 man brigade (98 killed, 229 wounded, & 92 missing).[38] Consequently, the loss of his leg in the Battle of Peachtree Creek allowed Thomas Allen Wilson to return to Laclede County (Missouri) after the end of the war where he would raise his family and serve his rural community as a “country doctor” without the aide of any formal education (see Dr. T. A. Wilson – A Country “Doctor”). In the early 1900’s, he moved his family to Lamar County (Texas) to live near his brother (see picture below). On July 28, 1920, the life of “Dr. T. A. Wilson” came to a peaceful end over 76 years after his last march ended with him losing his leg in the Battle of Peachtree Creek.
Copy of a low resolution photo taken in the early 1900s of Thomas Allen Wilson (standing on right) and the family of his brother John William Wilson (sitting) in front of the home of John William Wilson in Delta County, Texas. Copy provided by Phyllis Carpenter.
God Bless!
[1] National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for Marshal D. Friend (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 100).
[2] National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for John Wharton (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 81); In Deadly Earnest by Phil Gottschalk, Page 356.
Diary of Lieutenant George Warren (3-5th Consolidated Missouri Infantry): “The night was intensely dark and the mud almost knee deep. We marched all night…“
[3] National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for M. Shepherd (ID #586957, NARA M323, Roll 335).
[4] Captain Joseph Boyce and the 1st Missouri Infantry C.S.A. edited by William C. Winter, Pages 156-157.
[5] “Battle of Kennesaw Mountain” by Major General S. G French (The Confederate Soldier in the Civil War), Page 228.
[6] Memoirs of the Civil War by William L. Truman (dictated in 1906 from his diary & memory), Chapter 20.
[7] Captain Joseph Boyce and the 1st Missouri Infantry C.S.A. edited by William C. Winter, Pages 156-157.
[8] Kennesaw Mountain: Sherman, Johnston, and the Atlanta Campaign by Earl J. Hess, Page 15.
[9] “Battle of Kennesaw Mountain” by Major General S. G French (The Confederate Soldier in the Civil War), Page 228.
[10] National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for William B. Couchman (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 99); National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for Irwin Kirkpatrick (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 101); National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for James H. Bradley (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 98); National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for John J. Cockery (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 99); National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for John J. Cockery (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 99); National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for Benjamin F. Dobbins (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 99); National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for John A. Kunkel (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 101); National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for Otto K. Laubshire (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 101).
[11] In Deadly Earnest by Phil Gottschalk, Page 364.
[12] In Deadly Earnest by Phil Gottschalk, Page 364; “Battle of Kennesaw Mountain” by Major General S. G French (The Confederate Soldier in the Civil War), Page 228.
[13] Kennesaw Mountain: Sherman, Johnston, and the Atlanta Campaign by Earl J. Hess, Page 16; National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for Albert Lee (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 101).
[14] In Deadly Earnest by Phil Gottschalk, Page 365; “Battle of Kennesaw Mountain” by Major General S. G French (The Confederate Soldier in the Civil War), Page 228.
[15] Kennesaw Mountain: Sherman, Johnston, and the Atlanta Campaign by Earl J. Hess, Pages 71-72; In Deadly Earnest by Phil Gottschalk, Page 367.
[16] Kennesaw Mountain: Sherman, Johnston, and the Atlanta Campaign by Earl J. Hess, Pages 76-77; In Deadly Earnest by Phil Gottschalk, Pages 367 & 370; National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for Samuel Ross (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 110); The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Series I, Volume 38) Pages 914-915;
“I have the honor to report that about 8 a. m. to-day a very heavy line of skirmishers, closely followed by two lines of battle, advanced into the skirt of timber in front of the open field at the foot and south of Kennesaw Mountain, just south of the road leading from Marietta to General Johnston’s old headquarters, and drove in the extreme right of the line of skirmishers resting on the northwestern corner of said open field, and immediately began to press back the left flank of my skirmishers, which rested in the bottom just north of the road. All the reserves of my skirmish line were thrown out to protect my left flank, and the enemy’s skirmishers were held in check until the lines of battle closely following closed in upon them. When this was done the enemy rapidly drove back my left and center, passing along the base of Kennesaw Mountain in front of my main line. The companies on the right of my skirmish line were holding the enemy in check in their immediate front, but the enemy advanced so rapidly against and in the rear of my left that before LieutenantColonel Carter, commanding the skirmishers, ordered the right of the line to fall back the enemy had gained their rear and they were thus exposed to a double fire, and in falling back were compelled to pass through the enemy’s lines, and many thus fell into their hands.“
“Lieut. Samuel Ross, a most gallant officer, and 41 men are now missing, many of whom are known to be either killed or wounded. My skirmishers fought very stubbornly and were pressed back up the gorge on the right, followed by the enemy at the distant of thirty to forty paces. The enemy appeared in force on the west edge of the open field on my left, but were quickly driven back into the woods by a few volleys from the left of my main line. They also appeared in force at the base of the mountain, in front of my left regiment, but were easily kept back in the woods. In front of Colonel McCown’s regiment, the second from my left, they made an assault in force and succeeded in getting within twenty-five paces of the works, and by secreting themselves behind rocks and other shelter held this position for fifteen or twenty minutes, and were distinctly heard by my officers in the main line to give the command ‘fix bayonets.’ They advanced up the gorge along the line as far as my right, and succeeded in gaining the spur of the main mountain in front of my right and on General Sears’s left at a point higher up than my main line, and for some time had a plunging fire on my works. All attempts on my line were handsomely repulsed with loss to them.“
“The bodies of 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, and some 30 soldiers of the enemy were left dead in my front, and so close to my lines that they could not be carried off. A number of their wounded also fell into our hands, and 1 or 2 prisoners. My loss in the engagement to-day has been 10 killed, 2 mortally wounded, 27 severely, 28 slightly, and 42 missing, as before stated, making an aggregate of 109. Lieut. A. D. Manning, a minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and a most exemplary Christian, is among the killed. Nine of the killed and 27 of the wounded belong to Colonel McCown’s regiment, where the heaviest assault was made. From memorandum found on the bodies of the dead, and from the statement of the captured, wounded, and prisoners, a portion of the old Fifteenth U. S. Army Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, it is manifest, was in our front, and had orders to assualt and carry Kenesaw Mountain. The engagement along my front lasted nearly an hour. A portion of Colonel McCown’s regiment fired sixty rounds to the man. Respectfully submitted. F. M. Cockrell, Brigadier-General.“
[17] Captain Joseph Boyce and the 1st Missouri Infantry C.S.A. edited by William C. Winter, Pages 157-158; Kennesaw Mountain: Sherman, Johnston, and the Atlanta Campaign by Earl J. Hess, Pages 78-88; In Deadly Earnest by Phil Gottschalk, Pages 367-371; The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Series I, Volume 38) Pages 914-915.
[18] “Battle of Kennesaw Mountain” by Major General S. G French (The Confederate Soldier in the Civil War), Page 229.
“Artillery firing was common on the line at all times, but now it swelled in volume and extended down to the extreme left, and then from fifty guns burst out in my front, and thence, battery after battery following on the right, disclosed a general attack on our entire lines. Presently, and as if by magic, there sprung from the earth a host of men, and in one long waving line of blue the infantry advanced and the battle of Kennesaw Mountain began. I could see no infantry on my immediate front, owing to the woods at the base of the mountain, and therefore directed the guns from their elevated position to enfilade Walker’s front. In a short time the flank fire down the line drove them back, and Walker was relieved from the attack.“
“We sat there, perhaps an hour, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of one of the most magnificent sights ever allotted to man — to look down upon an hundred and fifty thousand men arrayed in the strife of battle on the plain below. As the infantry closed in the blue smoke of the musket marked out our line for miles, while over it rose in cumuli-like clouds the white smoke of the artillery. Through the rifts of smoke, or, as it was wafted aside by the wind, we could see the assault made on Cheatham, and there the struggle was hard, and there it lasted longest. So many guns were trained on those by our side, and so incessant was the roar of cannon and sharp the explosion of shells, that nought else could be heard.“
“From the fact that I had seen no infantry in my front, and had heard no musketry near, and the elevation of my line on the mountain, I thought I was exempted from the general infantry attack; I was therefore surprised and awakened from my dreams when a courier came to me about 9 o’clock and said General Cockrell wanted assistance, that his line had been attacked in force. General Ector was at once directed to send two regiments to report to him. Soon again a second courier came and reported the assault on the left of my line. I went immediately with the remainder of Ector’s brigade to Cockrell, but on joining him found the Federal forces had been repulsed. The assaulting column had struck Cockrell’s works near the centre, recoiled under the fire, swung around into a steep valley where — exposed to the fire of the Missourians in front and right flank and of Sears’s men on the left — it seemed to melt away or sink to the earth to rise no more.“
[19] Kennesaw Mountain: Sherman, Johnston, and the Atlanta Campaign by Earl J. Hess, Page 72-88 & 152; Atlanta and Its Builders by Thomas H. Martin (Volume 1), Page 327.
[20] The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Series I, Volume 38) Pages 914-915.
[21] National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for Patrick Crawla (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 99).
[22] The Army of Tennessee: Organization, Strength, Casualties (1862-1865) by Darrel L. Collins, Page 237.
[23] The Army of Tennessee: Organization, Strength, Casualties (1862-1865) by Darrel L. Collins, Page 237.
[24] National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for Squire McCall (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 101).
[25] “The Davis-Hood-Johnston Controversy of 1864” by Thomas Robson Hay (The Mississippi Valley Historical Review, Volume 11, No. 1, June 1924), Pages 54-84.
[26] Captain Joseph Boyce and the 1st Missouri Infantry C.S.A. edited by William C. Winter, Pages 165-166.
[27] The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Volume 38), Pages 916-920.
Headquarters Missouri Brigade, In the Field, September 20, 1864: “I have the honor to submit the following report of the part borne by the Missouri brigade in the operations of the Army of Tennessee, under command of General J. B. Hood, from July 17 to September 7: When General Hood assumed command of the army July 17, I was absent in consequence of a wound previously received, and that gallant and fearless officer, Colonel Elijah Gates, of the First and Third Missouri Cavalry (dismounted), was in command of the brigade, and continued in command of the brigade till August 8, when I returned and assumed command, and I am wholly indebted to Colonel Gates for all the operations of the brigade during my absence.“
“On the morning of July 17 this brigade occupied a line of temporary works just commenced south of the Chattahoochee River, and labored assiduously in completing and strengthening the same during that day and during the 18th, 19th, and to 12 m. 20th, and then moved by the right flank to Peach Tree Creek road, and then fronted and moved to the front by the right of companies about half a mile, and formed in line about 5 p. m., with the right resting in rear of Selden’s battery, then engaged in a fierce artillery duel. The brigade was a reserve, and was ordered by Major-General French to keep at a distance of 400 yards from Major-General Walthall’s division. The brigade remained in this position till after dark, and then moved back to the original position on the Chattahoochee south of Peach Tree Creek. Although the brigade did not have an opportunity to fire, yet it was exposed to a heavy artillery fire, particularly the right regiment, the First and Third Missouri Cavalry (dismounted). The losses of this day were Sergeant Craighead, Company B, killed, and Captain H. Wilkerson and Lieutenant J. T. Mahan, both excellent officers, and 6 men, all of the First and Third Missouri Cavalry, wounded, and from the First and Fourth Missouri Infantry 3 severely wounded, from the Second and Sixth Missouri Infantry 2 wounded, and from Third and Fifth Missouri Infantry 1 slightly wounded, making an aggregate loss of 1 killed and 14 wounded.
On the morning of July 21 the brigade was moved to the right about one mile and half, and deployed at intervals of four paces, and so remained till night-fall, when it was moved to the immediate defenses of Atlanta, and took a position west of the city, with the right resting on Turner’s Ferry road, and at once began the construction of field-works, and here performed immense labor, working by day and by night. The brigade was here formed in one rank and completed works covering its front in one rank, and was then moved to the left a greater distance than its front in one rank, and at once constructed works covering its new front, and when these last were completed moved back to its first position with the right on Turner’s Ferry road. The brigade not only completed this long line of works, twice the length of the brigade in one rank, but also constructed a triple line of picker works, with abatis between each line, in front of the main line, and also digger a continuous rifle-pit for the entire skirmish line, and constructed in its front a line of picket work with an abatis, and in rear of this skirmish line constructed a reserve skirmish line with picket work and abatis in its front, and in addition to all this did much labor in construction of redoubts for the batteries.
On the 6th day of August three regiments (First and Third Cavalry, Second and Sixth Infantry, and Third and Fifth Infantry) of this brigade and two regiments of Brigadier-General Sears’ brigade, all under command of Colonel Gates, were ordered to advance and feel the enemy’s position in front and develop the same, and at once moved forward, engaged and drove back the enemy’s skirmishers, and advanced about three-quarters of a mile to the front, in view of the main line of the enemy, and withdrew at 12 m. to our main line. In this day’s operations the brigade suffered the following loss: Lieutenant J. R. Mothershead, of Company B, Third and Fifth Missouri Infantry (a most gallant officer and exemplary Christian gentleman), killed, and 5 privates of the First and Fourth Infantry, 6 privates of Second and Sixth, 3 privates of Third and Fifth Infantry, and 4 privates of First and Third Cavalry, wounded, making an aggregate loss of 1 killed and 18 wounded.
From the 6th to the 26th of August there was continued skirmishing, and my main line was exposed to artillery fire and random minieballs, and from August 10 to 26, both inclusive, my brigade suffered losses daily.
August 16 Lieutenant F. M. Baker, of Company E, Third and Fifth Missouri Infantry, the model officer and Christian, was mortally wounded and afterward died.
August 14 Lieutenant F. Reeves, Company K, First and Fourth Infantry, was slightly wounded.
August 19 Captain C. L. Edmondson, Company K, First and Fourth Infantry, an efficient and gallant officer, was severely wounded.
August 23 Colonel Elijah Gates, of the First and Third Cavalry, was slightly wounded in right arm. This was the second wound received by Colonel Gates during the campaign, having been slightly wounded in left arm June; but Colonel Gates never left the post of hardships, duty, and danger for either wound.
August 20 Lieutenant Colonel James K. McDowell, of the Third and Fifth Missouri Infantry, a most fearless, efficient, and accomplished officer, was killed while in charge of a fatigue partly in front of the main line.
August 25 Captain Bradford Keith, of Company G. First and Fourth Missouri Infantry, a brave and reliable officer, was killed while commanding the brigade skirmishers. Captain Keith had just been most favorably recommended for promotion to major of the First Missouri Infantry.
August 26, the enemy had withdrawn from my immediate front, and on the evening of the day Lieutenant Colonel D. Todd Samuel, of the First and Third Missouri Cavalry, in command of the brigade skirmishers, was ordered to advance his line and develop the enemy’s force in their rear lines of works in my front, and while most gallantly leading the skirmish line against the enemy was killed.
From August 26 to September 1 we remained quietly in our works, sending out scouting parties, two of which (composed each time in part of the same men, and both under command of Lieutenant G. R. Cannon, of the First and Fourth Infantry) were very successful, having crossed the Chattahoochee twice, captured prisoners, and mules and horses, and gained valuable information, and returned with their prisoners and booty safely. The particulars of these, with the name of the parties, have been heretofore fully reported. On the night of September 1 Atlanta was evacuated, and this brigade, in rear of the corps and division, marched through Atlanta and thence on the McDonough road, marching all night, all the day of September 2, and till 10 o’clock of that night.
On the evening of September 3 we arrived at the line of works north of Lovejoy’s Station, and at once relieved a portion of the line occupied by Bate’s division, Hardee’s corps, with my left resting near to and of the railroad.
On the night of September 4 we moved to the left and occupied the line, with my right resting on the railroad. These works were indifferent and exposed to an enfilading, and in some places almost reverse, artillery fire of the enemy’s batteries on my left. And during this day Captain S. A. Kennerly, of Company A, First and Fourth Missouri Infantry, and 4 men were killed and 3 wounded by two shells; 1 wounded from Second and Sixth, and 2 killed and 2 wounded from Third and Fifth. Captain S. A. Kennerly was a most fearless, cheerful, and determined officer, and on May 16, 1863, at battle of Baker’s Creek, received a most severe wound, and was left on the field believed to be dead, from the effects of which he had never fully recovered; and notwithstanding this he had been on duty during the past arduous campaign.
September 6 the enemy had withdrawn from our front, and as soon as it was known I at once asked permission of Major-General French to follow up the enemy, which was granted, and about 8 a. m. I moved on the road leading to Jonesborough, along the railroad, with my brigade; passed Cheatham’s division, commanded by Brigadier-General Gist, just outside of our works, and continued to advance and engage the enemy’s skirmishers some distance south of Jonesborough’; drove them back steadily to a strong line of skirmish works just south of Jonesborough, and with two companies, commanded, respectively, by Lieutenants Strong and Mahan, from First and Third Cavalry, two companies from Second Sixth Infantry, commanded, respectively, by Captain Alford and Hickey, and one company from Third and Fifth Infantry, commanded by Captain P. Canniff, all commanded by Captain Canniff, a fearless and skillful officer, charged these works, drove the enemy from them, capturing several prisoners after a very spirited engagement, and pursued them to their main line of works just north of Jonesborough, where the enemy were found in very large force behind their old line of works occupied by them August 31.
In this skirmish Lieutenants Benjamin F. Welch. Company G., Second and Sixth; A. J. Strong, Company B, First and Third Regiment, in the fearless discharge of duty, were wounded, the latter very severely; 1 sergeant and 4 men from Second and Sixth and 2 men from First and Third were wounded.
In this little engagement both officers and men bore themselves with conspicuous gallantry, and drove at least three times their own number from strong skirmish works. A detailed report of this day’s operations has been heretofore made.
Late in the afternoon we returned to our old position, meeting and passing Gist’s command about one mile and a half south of Jonesborough. Hereto attached, marked A, and made a part of this report, is the list# of killed, wounded, and missing of my brigade, which shows a loss of 5 officers and 12 men killed, 9 officers and 79 men wounded and 6 men missing.
In the operations of the army under General Hood the officers and men of my brigade have alike performed immense labor, working most industriously by day and night; have endured unaccustomed hardships and fatigues; have been constantly exposed to the fire of the enemy and the inclemencies of the weather; and amid all these have constantly borne themselves with the most conspicuous gallantry and fearlessness, exhibited the most soldierly bearing and commendable fortitude, and have manifested a most praiseworthy, exemplary cheerfulness, and a most determined, unflinching perseverance and energy; and in commendation of all alike I bear my personal testimony.
The members of my staff-Captain J. M. Loughborough, assistant adjutant-general; Captain J. M. Flangan, assistant inspector-general; aide-de-camp; Captain J. M. Weidemeyer, acting ordnance officer; Major A. G. Anderson, commissary of subsistence; and Captain A. Danner, brigade quartermaster-have all, in their respective positions, faithfully discharged their every duty. Captain B. F. Herr, assistant quartermaster, of the Second and Sixth Missouri Infantry, has served on my staff a portion of the time, and rendered me most valuable service.
Especially do I command to your most favorable consideration and action Colonel Elijah Gates, of the First and Third Missouri Cavalry (dismounted), for his judgment, skill, and gallant bearing at all times and amid all dangers.
I have the honor, major, to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, F. M. Cockrell, Brigadier-General. Major D. W. Sanders, Assistant Adjutant-General.“
[28] The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Volume 38), Pages 916-920.
[29] In Deadly Earnest by Phil Gottschalk, Page 382 (Diary of Lt. George Warren).
[30] The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Volume 38), Pages 916-920;
[31] National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for Thos. A. Wilson (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 103); National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for Chas. E. Barroll/Barrell (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 98)
[32] The Army of Tennessee: Organization, Strength, Casualties (1862-1865) by Darrel L. Collins, Page 238.
[33] The Army of Tennessee: Organization, Strength, Casualties (1862-1865) by Darrel L. Collins, Page 238.
[34] Alabama Confederate Pension Application of Jonathan Burns dated May 1, 1885; Calvin Alexander Burns’ 1894 Letter; History of the Burns Family by Calvin Alex Burns (Henry and Lexar Grant Burns Family: Ancestors, Descendants and Related Families by Cranford H. Burns, Page 69).
[35] National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for Thos. A. Wilson (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 103).
[36] Missouri State Archives Confederate records for Thomas A. Wilson; National Archives Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for Thomas A. Wilson: “Copied from original record borrowed from Mrs. Wright L. Smith through Capt. James W. Allen” (ID #586957, NARA M322, Roll 126).
[37] The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Volume 38), Pages 916-920.
[38] The Army of Tennessee: Organization, Strength, Casualties (1862-1865) by Darrel L. Collins, Page 240.
Wilson Family Tree Album Blog 