The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 24, In Three Parts. Part 2, Reports. Page: 421
793 p. ; 22 cm.View a full description of this book.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS.
On the morning ,of tbe 27th, he was in the ditches, as was his custom,
reconnoitering the positions of the enemy along his front, and while
looking over the parapet in front of the sap of the enemy, which was
only about 60 yards distant, he was shot through the head by a sharp-
shooter and almost instantly killed. Here permit me to lay my humble
tribute on his tomb. Missouri has lost another of her bravest cham-
pions-the South one of its ablest defenders. It was my fortune to be
intimately associated with him; knew him well. He joined the army
as a private soldier when the toesin of war first sent its notes throughout
the West. He served his country long and faithfully. His soldiers re-
garded him with that reverence due a father, and many a tear was shed
at his fall. He was a pure patriot and a gallant officer, and a true
Christian, divested of everything like a thirst for military fame. He
acted solely from a sense of duty and right and a pure love of country,
and thus inseparably entwined himself not only around the hearts of
his troops, but of all who knew him.
The command devolving upon me, I at once commenced counter-
mines to that of the enemy, one of which was sprung on the night of
July 2, with but little damage to the enemy.
A flag of truce having passed out of the lines at 8 o'clock on the morn-
ing of the 3d, there was a suspension of hostilities, which continued
until the surrender of the forces at 10 a. m. on the 4th, in obedience to
the order of the lieutenant-general commanding. The troops, up to the
time of the surrender, were cheerful and confident of success.
Our loss was very heavy in killed and wounded during the siege.
Correct lists of the casualties will be forwarded as soon as they can be
made out.
My thanks are specially due to Capt. W. B. Pittman, assistant in-
spector-general, Capt. H. M. Pollard, assistant adjutant-general, and
.Lieut. Thomas B. Green, aide-de-camp on the staff of General Green,
for the faithfull and gallant discharge of the duties devolving upon them
during the siege, especially after the fall of General Green. It has been
my pleasure to witness the conduct of these officers on the battle-field,
and it is with pleasure that I bear testimony as to their coolness and
pre-eminent gallantry, untiring energy, and perseverance. I earnestly
recommend them to the favorable consideration of the lieutenant-gen-
eral commanding.
The thanks of the country are due to Captains [J. H.] Neal and [J.
W.] Barclay, and Lieutenant [Harris] Wilkerson,-of First Missouri Cav-
alry, for the distinguished service rendered by them in making numer-
ous sorties out to the enemy's front, examining their approach and
mines, and giving much valuable information.
I would also recommend to the favorable notice of the lieutenant-
general commanding Sergeant [William A.] Fisher, of Lowe's battery,
Missouri Light Artillery, who commanded a gun within 300 yards of
the enemy's battery, using it with telling effect, tearing down their
earthworks and knocking out of position their gabions or sap-rollers.
Frequently the enemy would open an entire battery and line of skir-
mishers upon the gun, sometimes almost leveling the parapets; yet the
men stood by their gun, replying with good effect, and at night, with-
out any assistance from the infantry, would repair the damage done to
their works during the day.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
TOM. P. DOCKERY,
Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade.
Maj. [R. W.] MEMfTINGER,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of Mississippi and East Louisiana.421
CHAP. XXXVI.]
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This book can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Matching Search Results
View five pages within this book that match your search.Related Items
Other items on this site that are directly related to the current book.
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Additions and Corrections to Series 1, Volume 24. (Pamphlet)
Errata sheets for the Records of the War of the Rebellion include additions and corrections to the text and the index for Series 1, Volume 24.
Relationship to this item: (Is Referenced By)
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Book.
United States. War Department. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 24, In Three Parts. Part 2, Reports., book, 1889; Washington D.C.. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth154603/m1/421/?q=Tappan%27s: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.