Many men from Illinois had a hand in the Milliken’s Bend story, and this seems like a timely subject, in anticipation of the upcoming Decatur Civil War Symposium. In April 1863, Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas traveled along the Mississippi River, … Continue reading →
Elisha DeWitt’s heart must have swelled with patriotism. In August 1861, just eighteen years old, he signed on with the 7th Missouri Infantry (U.S.) at Rolla. Enlisting early in the war when the eagerness of youth and lofty patriotic ideals … Continue reading →
In the final days of 1863, Col. Hermann Lieb’s report concerning the investigations into the death of Capt. Corydon Heath reached the United States Adjutant General’s office in Washington. Lieb included additional reports from Maj. John G. Davis and Gen. … Continue reading →
One of my readers recently encouraged me to write about the 23rd Iowa Infantry at Milliken’s Bend. Although they played a central and important role in the battle, I find that often I must omit them for lack of time … Continue reading →
Months after Brig. Gen. John D. Stevenson took a division on a short but grueling expedition into Monroe, Louisiana, Maj. John G. Davis of the 1st Mississippi Heavy Artillery, African Descent (the same regiment known as the 9th Louisiana Infantry, … Continue reading →