Paul Mclaughlin
2nd Texas
Thu Jul 5 14:20:25 2001


Dear George,

In this particular instance I believe that there is more to the story than patriotism. The 2nd Texas was unjustly charged with cowardice at Shiloh and if I am not mistaken Gen'l. Hardee preferred charges against Col. William P. Rogers. Hardee saw them pull back from the firing line and thought they were skulking their duty. In fact Col. Rogers had a heavy portion of the fight and was pulling his men back to replenish their depleted ammunition. The charges were dismissed after a review of the facts but the Texans were deeply offended.

I have always felt the gallant Texans charged into the jaws of death at Battery Robinette to try to salvage their honor and prove their bravery. Col. Rogers and 57 other brave Texans died and an unknown number were wounded at Battery Robinette. There is a photograph of Rogers and his dead piled up in front of the earthworks.