Bob McLendon
Last 2 weeks of April '63
Mon Jun 4 19:24:25 2001


Alan - W. W. McConnico of Co. F, 53rd Alabama stated, "In the latter part of April, Gen. Dodge, with a division of Federal troops, marched out of Iuka, Miss. headed for Tuscumbia. We met him near the Mississippi line. We contested every inch of ground, but he steadily marched on. When we reached Tuscumbia, Gen. Forrest, with Col. Starnes' and Col. Biffle's Tenn. cav regiments, appeared on the field and took command. Our forces fell back to Courtland. Town Creek, near Courtland, was where we were to make a stubborn resistance to the further advance of the enemy next morning. When we woke next morning, Gen. Forrest, with his men, had gone, and very much to out surprise, we found the enemy pulling back toward Mississippi where they came from.".........Of course, Forrest had gotten word of Streight, and took off in pursuit. Dodge had fallen back toward Mississippi. Not knowing if Dodge might come back on Forrest, Roddey assigned the 53rd to cover the rear, and they followed behind, arriving in Rome in time to take part in the celebrations. I suspect Streight may have been looking over his left shoulder ondering if they were going to hit him in the rear in addition to Forrest. The 53rd acquired a number of arms that came from Steight's men.

My great grandfather's diary (Co. G, 53rd) reads, in part, in reference to the fights around Cherokee, Barton's, etc.:
April 16 - At sun up the bugle sounded the saddle call. After we had equipped our horses went to Tuscumbia and recd orders to march to Cherokee to meet the enemy. None were there....April 17 - Cherokee. The enemy crossed bear creek and attack us. Shelled us from our position. Rhody came up on their rear. Captured two of their batteries, but lost one. Took 170 prisoners. Co. G lost two men......April 18 - Retuened to battlefield, but retreated to turnpike to support batteries. Remained there. Eenmy did not come....April 19 - Remained at batterys. Quiet all day till near dark. Was reported that the enemy were flanking us. Didn't come. Can't tell what they will do. Skirmishing at Cherokee.....April 20 - Eenmy did not advance......April 21 - Reamined in camps till rain came up there. went to a Negro quarter to get shelter.....April 22 - Reamined at quarter....April 23 - Met the enemy at bear creek near night, returned to Tuscumbia....April 24 - Left Tuscumbia 4 oclock A.M. Retreated to Town Creek. Skirmishing in the evening.....April 25 - Fell back to Courtland. enemy did not follow. returned to Town Creek.....April 26 - Eenemy fell back.....April 27 - Went to (illegible) and to Courtland. Eenemy came back to Town Creek. Skirmishing in the evening. Rode late....April 28 - Retreated to Courtland. Heavy cannonading at Jonesboro near Town Creek in morning. Picket fighting up and down the creek. 2 or 3 wounded.

The journal of Virginia Ellen Saunders, youngest daughter of Col. James E. Saunders, of Courtland, reads: "April 18 - Colonel Hannon (53rd), of Montgomery, and Lieutenant Moncrief (Co. I, 53rd)spent last night here and eight soldiers, four of whom badly wounded."

I have identified the following as casualties with the 53rd: KIA - James C,. Turner, Co. G, April 17; MW - Leroy W. Wilkerson, Co. G, died of wounds April 1865; E. W. Dukes, Co. I, died April 27; E. Kelly, Co. I, died April 23; John W. Mitchell, Co. I, died April 19, Trinity, AL. CIA - S. S. Skaggs, Co. C, April 24 near Leighton; Thomas Andrew Wall, Co. C, April 24 near Leighton; William H. Wilkerson, April 17......Muster roll of Co. B, dated 30 April, states one soldier wounded, 5 horses killed, and 3 horses wounded at Barton's Station 18 April 1863. In addition, I have identified sveral more who lost their horses.
Hope this helps a little to sort this out, Bob.