The Mississippi in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Enterprise, MS and Stonewall, MS

Davy, I do have some information about Enterprise during the war but very little. My information comes from the history of the 2nd and 3rd Tennessee Cavalry (Union) and the 9th Indiana Cavalry. In September of 1864, the town was a holding camp for union officers. The post commander of the camp was Major Mathew S. Ward of the 14th Mississippi Artillery Battalion. It is well noted in both histories that the Union Pow's were let more or less free passage to the town and its residents and merchants. At one point during there brief stay, the town was threatened by a gang of bushwhackers. Major Ward had asked for help but none would arrive in time. Major Eli Lilly of the 9th Indiana offered his word as an officer, that if the POWs could be armed, they would not escape but defend the town from this threat. The offer was taken and for two days and nights Union and Confederate troops guarded the town. At the end, the arms were returned. Shortly afterward, these officers were sent to Camp Douglas for exchange.

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Re: Enterprise, MS and Stonewall, MS
Re: Enterprise, MS and Stonewall, MS
Re: Enterprise, MS and Stonewall, MS