Jim Martin
The Mississippians had further to go!
Tue Jan 30 17:18:03 2001



My wife is an Ole Miss alumnus, so we have something of a special interest in the 11th Mississippi and the University Grays. The Mississippians were a part of Davis' Brigade which was further to the left (North) than Archer's and Pickett's men. Because of this the angle formed by the low stone wall was further from their front than it was the Virginians or Archer's Tennesseans and Alabamans. They also suffered more from the artillery on Cemetery Hill which was firing at them almost in flank.

Brockenborough's Brigade of Virginians to the left of Davis' men were shattered and withdrew in confusion long before coming near the stone wall.

To show how destructive the fire was on the Mississippians, I recall that the University Grays, which I believe was Company "F" of the 11th MS suffered 100% casualties. I think the number was 17 out of 17. This apparently was all that was left of the young men who marched from the Oxford campus in 1861 over 200 strong.

The Mississippians fought as bravely and stalwartly as any men in the charge.

• Jo Jo — Tim, Tue Jan 30 18:06
• "relatively inexperienced"? — Alan Pitts, Tue Jan 30 22:38
• Heth's (3rd Corps) Missisippi Brigade — Tim, Wed Jan 31 09:59
• Re: Heth's (3rd Corps) Missisippi Brigade — Alan Pitts, Wed Jan 31 12:43
• Freeman — Tim, Wed Jan 31 19:10
• Jim, Tim , Alan — G. Purvis, Wed Jan 31 18:34
• Beg your pardon — Tim, Wed Jan 31 19:16
• 1st Corps Missisippians — Tim, Wed Jan 31 19:12