Report of Lieut. Col. Luther H. Whittlesey, Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry.<\/p>\n
VICKSBURG, MISS., July 26, 1863.
\nLIEUT.: For the information of the colonel commanding the
\nbrigade, I have the honor to submit the following report of the
\noperations of the Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry in the late march and
\nattack on Jackson, Miss., and their subsequent movements up to this date:<\/p>\n
On the morning of July 5, conformably to orders issued the day
\nprevious, we marched from our old camp and trenches in rear of Vicksburg
\nat 6 a.m. Out on the Jackson road to Clear Creek, near Black River,
\nmarching about 10 miles that day under a clear burning sun, but,
\nfortunately, finding good water at our camp.<\/p>\n
July 6.–We marched at 4 a.m., crossing the Big Black 11\/2 miles from
\nour camp on Clear Creek, and proceeded some 4 miles to a plantation
\nnear Edwards Depot, where we lay upon our arms for the night. The
\nweather was very hot, which, with poor water combined, caused some
\nsuffering among the troops.<\/p>\n
July 7.–We broke camp at 7 a.m.; marched about 8 miles, camping
\nnear the forks of the Raymond and Clinton roads. At 5 a.m. we formed
\nline of battle, and bivouacked for the night.<\/p>\n
July 8.–We marched at 6 p.m.; proceeded 4 miles and camped.<\/p>\n
July 9.–Marched at 6 a.m.; passed through Clinton to within 8 miles
\nof Jackson.<\/p>\n
July 10.–Marched at 5 a.m., and arrived before Jackson at 9.30
\na.m., where we rested till evening, and then moved into position in the
\nline, about 1,600 yards from the enemy’s works.<\/p>\n
July 11.–In the morning, Company B, of the Eleventh, together with
\none company each from the Twenty-first and Twenty-second Iowa
\nInfantry, were thrown forward as skirmishers, the whole under the
\ncommand of Capt. Remick, Company B, Eleventh. Advancing across
\nan old field, some 300 yards in width, they came to the woods in our
\nfront, and developed a force of the enemy, estimated at about 800
\nstrong, who attacked our skirmishers in front and on the right flank,
\nand repulsed them with a loss to my command of 2 killed and 1 severely
\nwounded. We, however, held possession of a house and out-buildings
\nbetween our front and the enemy, and from that point kept his
\nskirmishers well back under shelter of the woods that covered the ground
\nbetween us and the enemy’s works.<\/p>\n
July 12.–The brigade was formed for an advance in the following
\norder: A line of skirmishers and supports, under the immediate
\ncommand of the brave Maj. Houston, of the Twenty-third Iowa Infantry;
\na line of battle, composed of the Eleventh Wisconsin and Twenty-second
\nIowa, under my command, and a third line of reserves, comprising the
\nTwenty-first and Twenty-third Iowa, under command of Brig.-Gen.
\nLawler. The object of the advance was to obtain possession of the
\nwoods in our front. The troops moved up in beautiful order, and
\nobtained possession of the woods without resistance, the enemy
\nretiring at our advance. We thus gained a position some 600 yards
\nnearer than the one occupied the day previous.<\/p>\n
July 13.–The enemy shelled us vigorously, bursting a number of shells
\njust in rear of my regiment, but without damage, except the wounding
\nof a couple of artillery horses, belonging to Capt. Davidson’s
\nbattery, which was posted immediately on my left.<\/p>\n
July 17.–I was ordered by Gen. Lawler to move forward and occupy
\nthe works of the enemy in front of the Second Brigade, he having
\nabandoned Jackson the night previous. This I did, remaining on duty
\nhere during the day and until relieved by order of Gen. Lawler,
\nwhen I returned to camp.<\/p>\n
July 18.–Marched at 7 a.m. To a new camp, 2 miles distant, and at
\n2 p.m. Moved down to the railroad near Byram, and began destroying
\nthe track of the Mississippi Central Railroad, as ordered.<\/p>\n
July 19.–Destroyed railroad track.<\/p>\n
July 20.–Marched from our bivouac, near Byram, to our new camp
\nnear Jackson, a distance of 6 miles.<\/p>\n
July 21.–Marched at 7 a.m. To Raymond, 14 miles.<\/p>\n
July 22.–Marched at 6 a.m. 101\/2 miles, camping on Baker’s Creek.<\/p>\n
July 23.–Marched at 5 a.m. To within 7 miles of Vicksburg.<\/p>\n
July 24.–Marched to our old camps in rear of Vicksburg, thence to
\ncamp just below the city, via Warrenton road, a distance of about 10
\nmiles, where the regiment is now encamped.<\/p>\n
I append herewith a list of the killed and wounded of my command,
\nbefore referred to.*<\/p>\n
All of which is respectfully submitted.<\/p>\n
L. H. WHITTLESEY,
\nLieut.-Col., Commanding.<\/p>\n
Lieut. A. ADAMS,
\nActing Assistant Adjutant-Gen.<\/p>\n
Source: Official Records
\nPAGE 616-37 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI.
\n[Series I. Vol. 24. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 37.]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Report of Lieut. Col. Luther H. Whittlesey, Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry. VICKSBURG, MISS., July 26, 1863. LIEUT.: For the information of the colonel commanding the brigade, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Eleventh … Continue reading