10/08/2024
on October 8, 1862 the Battle of Perryville erupts. Roughly 162 years ago today the battle for the state of Kentucky opened up. To gain a better understanding of the battle we will share brief experiences of three different units at the battle and what their Perryville was like. For starters let's look into the 13th Kentucky Infantry US.
The 13th was a seasoned unit within the Army of the Ohio. Raised from south central Kentucky, this unit saw prior service in the March to Nashville, Battle of Shiloh, Siege of Corinth, and Buell’s North Alabama Campaign. At the Battle of Perryville, the unit was within the II Corps under Union General Thomas L. Crittenden. For the 13th and many regiments within the II Crops, their experience at Perryville was filled with an unimaginable march from Louisville, filled with roasting heat, almost zero water, and long marches that never seemed to end. When they reached Perryville, the unit and many in the II Corps took up positions along the Lebanon Turnpike, far away from the central part of the action. For most of the battle, the 13th recuperated from their march and, on the following morning, moved toward the town where they saw the brutal aftermath.
The next unit we will discuss is the 12th Tennessee Infantry CS. The 12th was raised primarily from Western Tennessee. The regiment saw service in the Battles of Belmont and Shiloh. In the summer of 1862, the regiment was consolidated with the 22nd Tennessee Infantry but retained their original designation. At the Battle of Perryville, the 12th Tennessee, they belonged to Preston Smith’s brigade, the last large Confederate unit to arrive at Perryville on the morning of the 8th. For much of the battle, the regiment was held in reserve, waiting to be put into the central part of the action. However, towards the evening, they were called into the town where, for several vicious minutes, they engaged in a brutal street action with Federals trying to break the Confederate center. Only darkness ended the struggle. The following morning, they were selected to help cover the Confederate retreat from the battlefield.
Lastly, the 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics battalion of companies A,C, & H. raised in the fall of 1861, the 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics saw services as the engineering unit for the army of the Ohio, helping to clear roads, build bridges and ensure the armies supply lines were kept in working order, no easy task. At the Battle of Perryville, the regiment was divided among the I and II corps in the Federal army. The battalion above belonged to Lovell Rousseau's Division of the I Corps. This particular unit was held in reserve near the Russell House at the battle. However, towards the afternoon, the unit was called into action at the apex of the battle. Confusion and chaos around the Russell House made Federal commanders desperate to throw anything toward the Confederate juggernaut to buy precious time. The only fresh unit available then was the 1st Michigan, who had taken up positions to the rear of the Russell House on a small hill. Under Rousseau's orders, the unit desperately pushed into Russell Farm buildings where remnants of Union General William H. Lytle’s brigade were fighting. Sadly, their effort was swept away with the withdrawal of Lytle’s worn-out brigade.
Three units, three different locations, and three different experiences—all connected to the brutality of the Battle of Perryville. Visit today to commemorate their deeds of service.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Battle of Perryville battlefield map.
