An Awful Gauntlet: Vignettes of Brice’s Crossroads

     On Friday June 10, 1864, a Federal expeditionary force of approximately 8,100 men under the command of General Samuel Sturgis clashed with the 3,500 men of General Nathan Bedford Forrest’s command at Brice’s Crossroads, Mississippi. It was a sharp clash fought amongst the burning heat and humidity of a hot Mississippi summer day, and one which ended in disaster for Sturgis’ command. Sturgis’ infantry regiments, forced to double quick the last several miles to the battlefield, put up a good fight but were so worn out and fatigued that the Federal line soon collapsed and fell back in disorder towards Memphis. In the ensuing days, Forrest pressed the pursuit and picked up more than 1,600 prisoners practically wrecking Sturgis’ force. As one Federal put it, it was “a great disaster.”

“Students of military tactics agree that the Brice’s Crossroads engagement was marked by the hardest kind of fighting and that it marked a brilliant tactical victory for Forrest,” states the National Park Service in their pamphlet about the battle. Today marking the 158th anniversary of the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads, I take pleasure in presenting vignettes from ten Federal infantrymen who recount the story of that battle and the disastrous march back to Memphis which followed.

 

This modern image by Michael R. Hicks beautifully captures how General Samuel Sturgis' command would have looked while marching through northern Mississippi in June 1864. The march was dogged by persistent rains which left the roads of the region muddy and in some places impassable. When the fight began on June 10th, the infantry had to march upwards of six miles at the double quick to arrive at Brice's Crossroads which left the soldiers exhausted and spent. Aggressive tactics on Forrest's part combined with the piecemeal arrival of these winded Federals were important ingredients in the Confederate victory at Brice's Crossroads.
(Michael R. Hicks original image)

“The day was excessively warm. When we got to within four miles of the enemy, word was sent back to us by General Sturgis to hurry up, as the cavalrymen were then engaging the enemy and holding them in check, and it was necessary for us to be there to support them. The 95th Illinois was therefore ordered forward at the double quick. Many of the boys fell out on the way sunstruck, perishing and dying. The forces that reached the ground were too much exhausted from the fatiguing march to risk an engagement, but they went in with a will, determined on victory or death.” ~Chaplain Thomas R. Satterfield, 95th Illinois Volunteer Infantry

 

“The 72nd Ohio was the first infantry regiment to arrive at Tishomingo Creek. We found the cavalry there dismounted and a cavalry officer stopped Colonel Eaton and asked “Colonel, where are all your men?” Colonel Eaton waved his hand and said, “Here they are.” The cavalry officer gave him the lay of the land and told him not to cross the creek as the woods were full of Rebels. Colonel Eaton, however, did cross the bridge and went into a large field to the left of the road where Waterhouse’s battery came later. When we got in the middle of the field, the Rebels fired on us from the woods in our front and Colonel Eaton ordered the regiment to lie down except my company (D) which he ordered to the front.” ~Sergeant J. Michael Beckley, Co. D, 72nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry

 

“We were formed in line in what I consider one of the worst positions we could have taken. The enemy’s lines must have been formed before we reached the ground on one side of a narrow ridge while ours was formed on the other side, and I think within 10 rods of their lines. The top of the ridge was covered with a very dense growth of underbrush so dense that one could see into it but a short distance. We had no notice that the enemy was near us until they fired on us.  I led the regiment by the flank along the road until we were almost to the top of the hill. The boys were so exhausted that when we halted, they fell out beside the road and were in the worst kind of condition to receive an attack.” ~Second Lieutenant John D. Abbe, Co. K, 95th Illinois Volunteer Infantry

 

“As we got our line formed, Cos. A, B, and I were sent into the thicket as skirmishers, but they had not moved forward three rods before they were fired on by the enemy and had two or three wounded. They were ordered back at once, but before they were with us, the enemy had advanced on our right flank where the cavalry line was formed. That line fell back after they fired a volley or two. This allowed the enemy to fall on the right of the 81st Illinois and gave them an opportunity to rake our lines. The 81st, as the enemy came up, captured a flag then fell back about ten rods forming a line in a somewhat better position. The enemy pushed up to the fence in front of the 81st and some of them charged the field but deemed it prudent to withdraw. Now came our disasters. The colonel, while reforming the line, was struck by a ball in the groin. The femoral artery was severed, and he was soon beyond help. Captain William H. Stewart then took command but had scarcely done so when he was struck by a bullet which passed through both thighs. Captain Bush, next in rank, was called on to take command and went to the right where there was the heaviest pressure on the line. He soon came back to me near the left with word that our ammunition was going out. After a moment’s consultation, he decided that I had better go and get a supply.” ~Second Lieutenant John D. Abbe, Co. K, 95th Illinois Volunteer Infantry

 

Unidentified western Federal cavalryman with a Colt dragoon revolver and sword. 

“When the Confederates advanced to attack, the engagement was sharp and bloody. The right of the Union line, against which the onslaught was fiercest, was finally forced back. It was a critical moment for the Federal front was broken. I was the color bearer of the 9th Minnesota and that the contest here was fierce and bloody is evident from the fact that three of my color guard were shot down. Soon after this, the regiment on the left and left center gave way. While the battle was raging, the head of the wagon train arrived within a short distance of the firing line and was ordered to be parked in an open field where the cavalry was reorganizing and from where it was, a little later, turned to the rear. After another hour of severe fighting, the Confederates again appeared on our flanks and again we were compelled to fall back. The Third Brigade composed of colored troops had arrived with the wagon train and were sent forward. Certainly they fought nobly and aided materially in holding the enemy in check, but the Union forces were outflanked every time they drove the enemy back and were compelled to retreat to prevent being surrounded.” ~Second Lieutenant Colin Francis MacDonald, Co. I, 9th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry

 

“On a hill in our rear, the artillery was stationed and were shooting over our heads. We fell back to the hill and made another stand, but the left soon gave way again. I succeeded in rallying them, but another break followed before I returned to my regiment. By going down the ravine, I managed to get what was left of my command off the field. The enemy then took possession of the guns and began firing on our retreating column. An effort was made to rally the men, but it proved of no avail, and a perfect stampede ensued.” ~Colonel Reuben L. Sidwell, 108th Illinois Volunteer Infantry

 

“The train was taken right along with the troops and was directly in our rear during the engagement. When we were obliged to retreat, here we had this train behind us to block up the road and save if possible. The confusion that ensued is beyond all description. The enemy keeping a continual fire upon us, wagons and artillery rushing this way and that; men lying dead and wounded along the road while others fallen from sheer exhaustion and the road strewn with every kind of kind of camp equipage. Over 200 wagons had to be abandoned or burnt right where they stood. Altogether this presented a most painful sight.” ~Sergeant Charles O. Little, Co. H, 95th Ohio Volunteer Infantry

 



“Colonel McMillen, commanding the brigade, came up just then and told Colonel Eaton to get across the road and get the wagon train started. He put the 95th Ohio to our left and the 93rd Indiana to the right and then rode in among the teamsters and got them started back up the road. Our brigade followed in the rear and on the flanks to keep the Rebels back. Our cavalry had disappeared and left the infantry to take care of the wagon trains. When we got to the swamp where the road had been corduroyed, the bottom fell out and the wagon train became stuck in the mud. We were ordered to pass around the train. The teamsters had unhitched their mules and skinned out.” ~Sergeant J. Michael Beckley, Co. D, 72nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry

 

“I ordered the command to retire which they did in good order, the enemy pursuing us no further. It was so dark. I marched about three or four miles and halted to rest but learning that our troops ahead were in full retreat and receiving orders to move on. I did so and about 8:30 came upon the rear of the main body composed of Negroes. We were obliged to halt upon account of the train and artillery which was impeded by a swamp ahead. About midnight after learning that they were irretrievable stuck and most of the animals taken off, I ordered the remainder to be unhitched and the command to move on. With difficulty we got through the swamp. Cannon, wagons, and ambulances were left in the mud. Horses were floundering about, and men were rushing past each other in the wildest confusion. Abandoned wagons set on fire by the fleeing mule whackers, spiked and dismantled artillery pieces, discarded muskets, haversacks, and clothing lined the road. The darkness of the night was hideous.” ~ Colonel Michael Wilkin, 9th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry

 

“At Ripley, they surrounded us, and a desperate fight ensued between the colored troops and the enemy resulting in the repulse of the latter and great praise is due to the colored troops for their coolness and bravery. I never saw troops fight more enthusiastically. They were surrounded three times and cut their way out and shouted at the enemy as they mowed them down ‘Remember Fort Pillow!’ which seems to have become a common phrase with the colored troops in battle.” ~Orderly Sergeant Bushrod H. “Hamp” Lewis, Co. K, 95th Ohio Volunteer Infantry

 

“Very few of the infantry had any cartridges left. The march of 31 miles during the night completely wore out the strength of the troops, but on reaching Ripley at daybreak, only a short stop was made, not long enough to prepare breakfast for the enemy was following us and driving in the rear guard as soon as it was light enough to see clearly. All day long our weary men fled before the enemy who pursued on horseback, and many were captured. I managed to keep ahead of the Rebels until about 5 o’clock on Saturday [June 11th]. I had not seen or heard a Rebel for an hour when I came to a clearing and saw one of our cavalry boys by the side of the road asleep. I thought of borrowing his horse to help me along, but when I looked at him, my heart failed me. I thought, “Poor fellow, you need a horse worse than I do” and passed on. I had gone but a half a mile when I heard the report of a revolver and “Halt, you Yankee!” I looked back and saw my cavalry friend coming full speed with a Rebel after him and each firing at the other. I started on a run to try and get ahead of them  until I reached a strip of woods, but the road was bad, and I was too tired to run fast. Just as the cavalryman passed me, he turned to fire a shot at the Rebel and his horse ran against me, striking me with his knees and knocking me down, stunning me so that I was unable to get up at first. On went the soldier and I suppose he safely got away, but the Rebel rode up and took me prisoner.” ~Private Jacob F. Hutchinson, Co. C, 72nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry

 


“There were many touching and thrilling scenes along the road, Only think of the wounded riding upon mules or in the ambulances for 100 miles without having their wounds dressed. Of the stench arising from the blood and the swarms of flies that would follow. Of the work of the flies upon the wounds. Yet there was scarcely a murmur from the wounded men. Men here and there would lay down by the roadside and plead piteously for a mule to ride, saying they were worn out, their feet were all sore and their legs could not carry them. But the rider would reply that he was wounded or worn out, hence they would have to abandon them to their fate.” ~Chaplain Thomas R. Satterfield, 95th Illinois Volunteer Infantry

 

“It has been a great disaster. We have lost not less than 2,000 men, upwards of 200 wagons, 16 pieces of artillery, a large quantity of supplies and ammunition, and 5,000 stand of small arms. Out of five regiments and a battery, but about 380 have been saved, all the rest being killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. The 113th Illinois left here with about 300 men only 88 have returned. I lost everything I had. I was completely cut off at one time and did not have a staff officer or even an orderly with me. By almost superhuman efforts in tearing down a rail fence I managed to get through, but it was an awful gauntlet I tell you.” ~Colonel George B. Hoge, 113th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, commanding Second Brigade

 

“”We lost everything except what we carried ourselves I unfortunately had my blankets, overcoat, and shawl, and a change of clothing along, all of which are gone. My feet are at present so swollen and blistered that I can hardly wear any kind of shoe. I am still very sore and weak and am just able to walk about and the boys says I look as though I had been drawn through a knothole the march thinned me down so much. Of Sturgis I can’t say much and everybody on the expedition is perfectly disgusted with him.” ~Sergeant Charles O. Little, Co. H, 95th Ohio Volunteer Infantry

 

 

Sources:

Letter from Chaplain Thomas R. Satterfield, 95th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Woodstock Sentinel (Illinois), June 29, 1864, pg. 4

Letter from Second Lieutenant John D. Abbe, Co. K, 95th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Belvidere Standard (Illinois), June 28, 1864, pg. 2

“The Guntown Fight,” Colonel Reuben L. Sidwell, 108th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Chicago Tribune (Illinois), February 27, 1882, pg. 8

Letter from Colonel George B. Hoge, 113th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Daily Chattanooga Rebel (Georgia), July 2, 1864, pg. 2 (letter originally ran in Chicago Post)

“The Civil War and Alexander Wilkin,” Minnesota History, Spring 1965, pg. 187

“Battle of Brice’s Crossroads, Miss.,” Second Lieutenant Colin Francis MacDonald, Co. I, 9th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, The National Tribune Scrapbook, pgs. 26-27

“72nd Ohio at Guntown,” Sergeant J. Michael Beckley, Co. D, 72nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, National Tribune, February 21, 1924

“Glimpses of a Prisoner’s Life,” Private Jacob F. Hutchinson, Co. C, 72nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, The Ohio Soldier (Ohio), September 15, 1888, pg. 169

Letter from Sergeant Charles O. Little, Co. H, 95th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Delaware Gazette (Ohio), June 24, 1864, pg. 2

Letter from Orderly Sergeant Bushrod H. “Hamp” Lewis, Co. K, 95th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Madison County Union (Ohio), June 23, 1864, pg. 3

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