White and I chained distance from baston No. 1. I wrote circular for Lieut. Col. Peteler. Finished pallisading, etc. I got up petition to Sibley about matters at Ft. Abercrombie, 75 names.
SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 13
Foggy. I finished draft for No. 1.
SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 13
I wrote off parts of two letters which he received from Adjt. Gen. Olin relative to defence. We had a sham battle.
SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 13
Norton and I traded watches, and he gave me $9 on the $16 due me, making my watch $23.00 and his $16.00 Company H arrived. Capt. Geo. G. McCoy took room next to my office.
SOURCE: Lewis C. Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 13
Reports of the Battles of Monterey and Buena Vista.
(From the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.)
Sir,
Herewith I have the honor to transmit to you the reports of the Regimental officers of the Battles of Monterey and Buena Vista, as far as the same were in my possession. I had hoped before this to have received full information in relation to the number of Rifles for which our state will be justly responsible and to have sent you a consolidated return; but regret to say that no company return has been made to me, since that of which I advised you.
It was my purpose to have made a report to you, which should have been a history of our Campaign in Mexico, but ill health at last compels me to abandon the design. A wish on the part of the Company officers to have their reports published, has been communicated to me by one of their number, and I have replied that they would be furnished to the Executive.
* At the election of officers of the First Mississippi Regiment of Volunteers War with Mexico July 18, 1846, Capt. A. B. Bradford, who had been a soldier under Jackson in 1812-15 and Colonel of a regiment of Tennessee volunteers of Armstrong's mounted brigade under General Call in Florida, 1836, and was known as "the hero of Withlacoochee," was supported by the northern counties for Colonel and received 350 votes to 300 for Jefferson Davis, who was a graduate of West Point, had been a Lieutenant in the regular army in the Black Hawk war, and Adjutant of the Dragoons in a Comanchee war, and was at the time a Representative of Mississippi in Congress. R. N. Downing also received 135 votes, W. L. Brandon 91, and A. G. Bennett 37. Bradford declined to consider the election his, although it was sufficient in militia elections, unless he had a majority of the regiment. On the second ballot Davis received a majority of 147. A. K. McClung, R. E. Downing and Major-General Duffield were candidates for Lieutenant-Colonel and McClung was elected on the second ballot. On a subsequent day Bradford was elected Major. McClung commanded the regiment until after it reached New Orleans.
The staff officers were: Richard Griffith, Adjutant; Seymour Halsey, Surgeon; John Thompson, Assistant Surgeon; Charles T. Harlan, Sergeant-Major; S. Warren W White, Quartermaster-Sergeant; Kemp S. Holland, Commissary; Stephen Dodds, Principal Musician.
See:
SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, pp. 102-3
(From the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.)
Sir, In conformity with your instructions I have the honor to report such facts in relation to the conduct of the Regiment of Missi. Riflemen on the 21st and 23d Insts. as came under my immediate observation, and will add such explanations as may seem necessary. When on the morning of the 21st the 1st Division was drawn up in order of battle before the city of Monterey, you will remember that the position of the Regt. under my command was thought to be too much exposed, and that it was detached to the left. Separated from the division, I did not hear the orders by which it was put in motion, but seeing the other Regt. of your Brigade, (Col Campbell's) moving towards the enemy, I ordered the Missi. Riflemen to advance by the left of the Battalion and follow it.
Thus when the Regts. of your Brigade were united their natural order was inverted. In this order under a cross fire of artillery, we advanced in front of the fort upon our left, to a point within the range of the enemys musketry but beyond the effective fire of our rifles. Under your orders to fill an interval which had been created upon my left, I ordered the Mississippi Riflemen to advance obliquely, by the left of companies to a line which I estimated as effectively near to the enemy, and then ordered the Battalion into line. The companies being directed when formed, to commence firing as in open order. In a few minutes the fire of the enemy had so far diminished as to indicate the propriety of a charge, and being without instructions, it was accordingly ordered. Lieut. Col. McClung sprung before his old company, and called on them to follow him. The call was promptly answered. In an instant the whole regiment rushed forward, the flanks converging to an open embrasure which lay nearly before our centre, and it became a contest of speed who first should reach the fort. The enemy fled from the rear sally porte as we entered the front, leaving behind him his artillery, a considerable number of muskets, his dead, and wounded. Passing immediately through the fort we found the enemy flying in disorder, some to a fortified stone building immediately in rear, others across the stream to the fort which stands beyond it. Our pursuit was so close that we reached the gate of the stone building before it was secured, and upon forcing it open the men inside fled behind the pilasters of the portico, and held up their hands in token of submission. An officer offered me his sword, and announced the surrender. I received it, and retired to select an officer to take charge of the prisoners, and receive their arms. Lieut Townsend of company "K" was directed to discharge this duty, and the pursuit of the enemy was immediately resumed. Leading those who had come up across the ford, we advanced within rifle range of the fort beyond the stream, and opened a fire upon such of the enemy as showed themselves above the wall, the intention being to storm the fort as soon as a sufficient number of our regiment came up. In this position we received no fire from the enemy's artillery, and his musketry had not proved destructive up to the time when I was ordered to retire. Until after we withdrew I knew nothing of the position, or cooperation of the forces on our right. In accordance with my instructions, and expecting to find the main body of my Regt. I passed up the street to our right, with the force just withdrawn across the stream. We soon became mingled with other troops which we found along the wall, and after rallying my command for a forward movement, I found it much reduced. Capt. Cooper had kept, say twenty of his company together;
with these, and about ten others of our Regt. I advanced until we met with Capt. Field of the U. S. Army, who led me to a point where he had discovered a considerable body, probably one hundred of the enemy; on our approach they fled beyond a street which was enfiladed by the fire of a strong party sheltered behind the Tête du Pont of the principal bridge.
Capt. Cooper with the party accompanying us was posted in an interior building to act as sharp shooters against the men of the Tête du Pont, until we should be sufficiently reinforced for more offensive operations. After a brief period we were joined by Major Mansfield, of the U. S. Engineers, with a small party of the 1st infantry under his command. Whilst the men were resting we reconnoitred the position and decided on a plan of attack. At this instant we were joined by Gen. Hamer with a portion of his brigade; and from him we received orders to retire, as I was afterwards informed to give protection to a battery of artillery, threatened by Lancers, in the rear.
In the meantime a few individuals, but no organised portion of my regiment had joined me, and we followed in rear of Gen. Hamer's column. After having proceeded the half of a mile or more, the enemy's cavalry appeared on our left and the troops in front began to close and form on a chaparral fence in advance of us. The men under my command had undergone such severe fatigue that their movements were necessarily slow, and some of them fell behind. A party of Lancers dashed forward to attack the rear. I ordered the Riflemen to face about, and returned to the relief of our comrades. The movement was readily executed, and though the files were in loose order their effective fire soon drove the enemy back leaving several dead behind him.
Soon after this, I was joined by Maj. Bradford with the portion of our Regt. which had served under his orders a great part of the day, and for whose conduct during that period, I refer to Maj. Bradford's report accompanying this statement. We were now on the ground where for the third time during the day we had been under the cross fire of the enemy's batteries; when I learned from you the position of another portion of my Regt. and received your orders to join, and consolidate it. Were I to mention all the instances of gallantry, and soldierly firmness which came under my observation, this statement would extend beyond a convenient limit.
I saw no exhibition of fear, no want of confidence, but on every side the men who stood around me were prompt, and willing to execute my orders. I cannot omit to mention the
gallant bearing of Lieut. Col. McClung.1 At the storming of the fort, he first mounted the parapet, and turning to the Regt. waved his sword over his head in token of the triumph of our arms; leaving him in that position to cheer the men on to further danger, it was my misfortune soon after to lose his services. At the fortified stone building he was dangerously wounded.
I must also mention Lieut. Patterson who sprung into the open embrasure as Col. McClung mounted parapet, and fired the first American piece within the work of the enemy. Capt. Downing in whom is happily combined the qualities of a leader, and commander, was severely wounded whilst (among the foremost) cheering his company to the charge, and I felt severely the loss of his services. Corpl. Grisham of Capt. Taylor's company "I" fell near me, after we had crossed the stream and were advancing upon the fort beyond it. He had fired his rifle several times, and was advancing-firing with exemplary intrepidity, when he fell pierced by two wounds, and died as he had fought, calmly, silently, and with his eye upon the foe. Lieut. Calhoun attracted my attention by the gallantry with which he exposed himself, and the efforts he made to shelter others.
Pleased with the enthusiasm and dashing spirit of all, I was yet more struck with instances of coolness, which verged upon indifference to danger, but which the limits of this communication will not allow me specially to notice.
* In command of brigade of which Col. Davis' regiment was a part.
1 McClung, Alexander Keith, a soldier and lawyer, and a nephew of Chief Justice Marshall, was born in Fauquier County, Va. He was educated in Kentucky, entered the navy and settled in Mississippi in 1832 where he opened a law office. He was a Whig in politics, but was never in an important office. About 1844 he established a Whig newspaper, the True Issue, at Jackson. During the Mexican War he served as Lieutenant Colonel of Jefferson Davis's regiment. He died by his own hand about 1857.
SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, pp. 103-6
(From the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.)
Additional Report.
Gen Quitman,Sir, omitting to notice those occurrences which transpired whilst with you holding the fort on the 22nd I resume my statements at the point when ordered out to reconnoitre the movements, and position of the enemy on the morning of the 23d. My command consisted of Co "H" commanded by 1st Lieut Moore, Co. G, commanded by 1st Lieut. Greaves, and two Companies of Col. Campbell's Regt. under the command of Lieut. Col. Anderson. Having been deprived of the very valuable services of Adjt. Griffith of the Riflemen by an injury received in his shoulder which compelled him to remain in camp, Lieut. Cook, at a time when the duty we had to perform was considered both difficult, and perilous offered me his services, and rendered great assistance. As we advanced into the town armed bodies of men fled through the streets at our approach. Having turned the flank of the Fort we found it evacuated & the artillery removed, as I suppose under cover of the night. We took possession of it, but as it was commanded by the forts in the rear of it, and the têrre pleine exposed to their fire it was necessary to take shelter upon the outer side. At this time I was accompanied by and received valuable assistance, and advice from Lieut. Scarrett of the Engineers. After a reconnoissance still further to the left, I received your orders to advance to what my examination induced me to believe a better position, and my command was changed in relieving Co "G" by Capt. Cooper's Co "B" of our Regt. and substituting one of the companies of Col. Campbells Regt. by Co "D" of the Missi Riflemen commanded by 1st Lieut. Russel. Finding no enemy within our range at the next position we advanced to a breastwork thrown across the termination of a street to our left. Whilst examining it I was twice fired at by sharp shooters; the files of my command nearest to me stepped forward to punish the assailants, and in a few moments we were in action. Our fire was effective upon the right, but the enemy posted upon the top of a large building on our left, continued to fire from his place of security and killed one of our men whose gallant conduct had I remembered attracted your attention. Private Tyree of Co "K", whose company being in rear, had voluntarily come up, and joined us. We had (I think) done all which we could effect from that position when you directed us to a place of greater safety to which you had ordered the remaining companies of my Regt. to advance. Capt Taylor, and his company were not relieved from the duty with which I had charged him, that of holding a post in the rear which was very important in the event of our being compelled to retire. I had found him so efficient on the previous occasion, and his company so prompt and gallant that I regretted his absence. After we were joined by the Texas Volunteers under Gen Henderson I derived great support from them; as well from their gallantry, as their better knowledge of the construction of Mexican houses.
We continued to advance, and drive the enemy by passing through courts, gardens, and houses, taking every favorable position to fire from the house tops, which from their style of architecture furnishes a good defence against musketry. Until near "the Plaza" where we found all the streets barricaded, and swept by so severe a fire that to advance from our last position it became necessary to construct a defence across the street, for this purpose we used the baggage, and pack saddles found in the houses, and though under a fire of artillery, as well as musketry had more than half finished the work when we received orders to retire. This was done in good order though I regret to say that the enemy, emboldened by the first retrograde movement followed our retreat by a cross street, and wounded several of our party among others Lieut. Howard of the Missi Riflemen who was bringing up the rear. As on the former occasion to name those whose conduct equalled my highest expectations, and hopes would be to furnish a list of the officers, and men engaged in the action.
I wish to mention for your notice two gentlemen who joined my Regt. and served in the ranks as volunteers on the 23d viz. Maj. E. R. Price of Natches, and Capt. I. R. Smith late of the Louisiana volunteers, they were both conspicuous for their good conduct on every trying occasion, always with the advanced detachment, and as prompt in the observance of orders as in the encounter of danger.
Whilst I cannot mention all who deserve commendation, and feel that you will bear me out in claiming the highest credit for each, I cannot forbear from naming Capt. Cooper, Lieuts. Moore, Russell, and Cook,* and Sergeant Major Harlan, who being especially under my observation, and generally out of your view, might otherwise pass without that notice, which their soldierly conduct so well merits. The conduct of Regimental Surgeon Seymour Halsey is worthy of the highest credit, and claims especial notice. On the 21st he was on the field of battle, and exposed several times to much personal danger, whilst giving early relief to the wounded, and has effected much by his attention since. To his vigilance and skill it is fair to assign the fact, that not a case of amputation has yet occurred in our Regiment. Herewith is a List of the killed and wounded on the 22d and in the action of the 23d Instant.
* The names of Posey, Greaves, & Hampton should have been here inserted.
SOURCE: Dunbar Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis,
Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, pp. 107-9
Weather very warm.
Men engaged in building roads through the ravines to connect the different
camps. Our rations are now all right, getting them by steamer from the North to
Yazoo River, and then teaming them across Chickasaw Bayou to our camps. Men in
good spirits and prefer the spade and pick to charging breastworks.
SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 17
A large fire in
Vicksburg last night. An attack was made on our left, but easily repulsed.
SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 17
I was much
interested today in watching a number of Indians that belong to the 14th
Wisconsin, acting as sharpshooters. Every day the best shots are detailed to
act as sharpshooters to keep the enemy from using their cannon on our working
parties and the riflemen from picking the men off. These Indians had fixed
their heads with leaves in such a way that you could not tell them. They would
creep on their bellies a little distance, then keep quiet, then move ahead
until they could get the position they were after, which was generally a log,
behind which they could lie without very much exposure. They silenced the rebel
cannon in front almost entirely.
SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 17
Messrs. Underwood
and Seeley of the Chicago Board of Trade and Y. M. C. A., arrived from Chicago
today. Visited the rifle pits with them. Battery A, Chicago Light Artillery,
did some firing for them, throwing shells with great precision at the rebel
works. A poor mule was killed at the distance of a mile by a shell.
SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 17
Siege life can be
made monotonous or otherwise, as you wish. A visit to the outworks is always
interesting, and to see the devices the men use in trying to get a Reb to put
his head above their works, is very amusing. Holding their caps on the end of
their guns or fixing a coat so that the arm can be seen, and the Reb, thinking
it is a Yank, blazes away at him while our boys go for him.
SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 17
The navy have
several mortar-boats in position on the Mississippi River, and it is a very
interesting sight to watch their shells in the night time go sailing through
the air, sometimes bursting way up high, and at other times just before
reaching the ground. I never appreciated the words of our glorious National
anthem until now, where it says, "And the bombs bursting in air,"
etc.
SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 17
Had religious
service today. Men are pious when danger threatens, but somewhat lax when it is
passed.
SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 17
The usual
cannonading; trench work and mining going on. Had a splendid rain on the 10th
which was enjoyed by all. Weather cool and pleasant.
SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 18
The siege is
progressing slowly but surely. We are making gradual approaches and are now
within one hundred feet of the enemy's works. The work is done by the men
rolling in front of them a large gabion filled with earth so as to keep the
rebel sharp-shooters from picking them off. They then dig a trench throwing the
dirt up on both sides; at times men are killed; one of our men, a sergeant in
Co. B, has just been brought in killed in the advance rifle pit. He was shot
through the head and killed instantly. Such an occurrence makes the men careful
but they soon grow careless again. The Rebs are throwing shells into our camp,
pieces fall in close proximity to our quarters. Their sharp-shooters are
constantly on the watch for a chance to pick us off. I was riding along the
other day to see the works on our left and stopped for a moment, when a bullet
struck at the feet of my horse's front legs and in a second more two or three
others in close proximity. I changed my position. No one can form any idea of
the extent of their works, reaching a distance of eighteen miles, completely
encircling Vicksburg. Quite a number of our wounded men have died since they
have left to go North. The severity of the wounds is proven by the fact that
there were over fifty amputations of arms and legs in our brigade alone.
SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 18
Nothing of
importance or interest occurred.
SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 18
Drawn up in line of
battle at 4 o'clock this morning. Heavy cannonading along our whole line of
works. I presume if there had been any chance for a charge we could have had
it. Firing continued about an hour. A rebel deserter was brought into our lines
yesterday and gave some information which may have caused the firing.
SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 18
Paymaster Frazer
paid the regiment to May 1. This made the men feel good and put us all in good
humor with Uncle Sam. Sutlers are here now with the good things of this life in
the way of canned fruits, cheese, butter, etc., etc., and are doing a thriving
business. Many of the men send all the money they can spare to their families
at home.
SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 18
Having had some
business with the Colonel of the 12th Wisconsin which is stationed on our
extreme right in Sherman's corps, and as near the river as we can get, he
advised me to go over to where the gun boat Cincinnati was sunk in the
Mississippi and from where you could get a splendid view of Vicksburg. He
offered me his field glass and off I started. There was considerable danger in
going as you have to cross an open plain which exposed you to the fire of the
rebel sharp-shooters if you were on horseback, but if you went on foot the
rifle pits protected you. I went on horseback and was fired at several times
but escaped. I was fully repaid for my trouble and risk and staid over two
hours. The Cincinnati was sunk by the rebel batteries and lies partly submerged
near the shore. I went on board of her and while there a rebel shell struck the
water about ten feet from the boat. Vicksburg was in full view; there laid the
city to gain, and which thousands of lives had been sacrificed, and doubtless
thousands more before we could capture it. I could see General Pemberton's, the
rebel commander's headquarters, their hospitals, the court house and other
public buildings, and had a full sight of their water batteries. I started back
home fully satisfied with my visit, dined with the Colonel and started for camp
at once.
SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 18
