HEADQUARTERS 21ST MO. INFANTRY VOLS., }
1ST BRIGADE, 6TH DIVISION. }
CORINTH, MISS., OCTOBER 17, 1862. }
CAPT. J. BATES DICKERSON,
Ass’t Adjt. Gen. 1st and 2d Brigades, 6th Division.
CAPTAIN:--I have the honor to report the part taken by the 21st Mo.
Vols, in the engagement before Corinth, Miss., October 3 and 4, 1862.
On the afternoon of Oct. 2, 1862, I was relieved from outpost duty
and command of the post of Kossuth, Miss., by Col. Smith, 43d Ohio.
We returned to our camp at Corinth, Miss., the same night, arriving
at 3 o’clock a. m. About 4:30 a. m. we heard artillery fire some
distance to the front; the battalion was formed promptly in line, and
shortly after we were directed to take position upon the Memphis &
Charleston R. R., in support of battery E; here we remained until 9
a. m., when we were ordered to march two miles to the front and take
position upon a high ridge to the left of the Memphis & Charleston
R. R., and upon the extreme left of the line of battle, continuously
with the 16th Wisconsin Vols., of the 6th Division, and two regiments
of Gen. Davie’s Division, who were stationed immediately to the right
of the railroad. We had been in position but a few minutes when the
enemy opened fire on our flank and front. We replied promptly and
continued showing the most determined resistance, the enemy being
in so far superior numbers that we were temporarily driven from the
line. About this time my horse was shot under me, bruising severely
my amputated leg. I here turned the command over to Major Moore,
who, with great gallantry, assisted by the officers of the regiment,
rallied the men and repeatedly drove the enemy from the hill. The
fire to the right became very severe,--the regiment stationed there,
and battery, gave way before the masses of the approaching enemies.
Seeing this, and our men being nearly out of cartridges, having fired
forty rounds, the battalion was ordered to fall back, which was done
in good order and firing. It is with pleasure I notice the bravery of
my field staff and line officers--they were equal to the emergency.
Corporal Jesse Roberts, Company I, 21st Mo. Inf. Vols., showed great
bravery; he gallantly seized the colors (after Color Sergeant had
fallen back), causing great enthusiasm among the men. Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
D. MOORE,
Col. Com’d’g 21st Mo. Inft. Vols.