Monday, April 8, 2019

Another Mystery about June 22-23, 1864: Activities of Bushrod Johnson's Division

On June 22, elements of Bushrod Johnson’s division moved out from behind Field’s and Kershaw’s divisions to the Johnson farm and remained in reserve behind Mahone’s troops as they prepared to roll up II Corps.  These elements included Wise’s Virginia Brigade and Ransom’s North Carolina Brigade minus its 49th North Carolina. Ransom’s brigade had received orders to relieve Colquitt’s brigade of Hoke’s division the previous day but after the 49th North Carolina relieved the pickets of Colquitt’s brigade, the rest of Ransom’s brigade got instructions to move out to the Johnson farm.[1]  Later, Bushrod Johnson's division advanced, then returned to the Johnson farm.

At least one source puts Bushrod Johnson's division under Hill's command.  Clark, North Carolina Regiments, 3:367.  If so, why didn't Hill let Mahone know?  It would have been easier for Mahone to draw upon Bushrod Johnson's uncommitted troops than try to get Wilcox's division to disengage from its action with VI Corps farther south.

On June 23, Elliott’s South Carolina Brigade of Bushrod Johnson’s division tramped out of reserve and joined Wise's brigade and Ransom's brigade (again minus the 49th North Carolina) of its division erecting breastworks on a north-south line on the eastern edge of the Johnson farm in case II Corps continued its advance westward.[2]


[1] Supplement to the OR, 7:278; OR 40, 1:761; Wiatt, Confederate Chaplain, 182.  Johnson’s Tennessee Brigade did not go out to the Johnson farm.  William Henry Harder Memoir, 525, Tennessee State Archives.  Nor did Elliott’s brigade, though it would the following day.  OR 40, 2:376.  Nor did all of Ransom’s Brigade.  OR 40, 2:678; Clark, North Carolina Regiments, 3:367; Diary of Captain Henry A. Chambers, 205.   



[2] Supplement 7:279; OR 40, 2:376; Wiatt, Confederate Chaplain, 182.

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