The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 32, July 1928 - April, 1929 Page: 298

                                
Southwestern Historical Quarterly

tents or shoes. We have been in the last days, exposed to rain
3 days and nights-The nights are getting quite cool and the men
are suffering. I have begged in vain for blankets, tents and shoes.
I will submit to it 4 weeks longer. They must then supply them
or there will be trouble. The Reg. numbers now about 551 of
these 128 are absent sick, leaving for duty 423-Of these 71 are
on detached service as teamsters, mechanics and leaving me really
but 342 fighting men.
I still hope to be with you by Christmas-Love and kisses for
you and our children.
Camp Rogers Near Holly Springs Miss.
Octo. 22nd, 1862.
My dear Madam.
It is my painful duty to write to you relative to the death of
your brave husband, Col W. P. Rogers of the Sharp Shooters of
Moore's Brigade in my Division.
From other sources you have long ere this learned that he has
fallen. It may be a consolation to you to receive from his com-
mander assurances of the distinguished services he has rendered
our Country; and of the gallant manner in which he died for her.
During our occupation of Iuka I entrusted your husband with
an important command in advance of my Division. I knew that
upon him above all others I could rely for the faithful execution
of such a trust; and amply did he justify my confidence in him.
When we retreated from Iuka my Division was made the rear
guard of the Army of the West; and I made Col Rogers and his
Regiment the rear guard of the Division. During this retreat
Col. Rogers and General Armstrong planned and executed a very
bold and skillful repulse of the pursuing Enemy, which checked
his advance and saved our Army from further molestation.
At Corinth on Friday morning the 3d of October when the
Division was first ordered to advance in line of battle, your hus-
band with the noble Regiment which now mourns him, was at once
thrown forward and engaged the Enemy. From that time until
he fell within the fortifications at Corinth which he had stormed
by 10 A. M. he was constantly under fire.
In the assault on Corinth his daring courage was so conspicious
as to call forth the admiration of the Enemy, and Gen'l Rosecranz

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