Report D. Moore

Report of Col. David Moore, Twenty-first Missouri Infantry

HEADQUARTERS 21ST MO INFANTRY VOLS.
1ST BRIGADE, 6TH DIVISION
CORINTH, MISS., OCTOBER 17, 1862

CAPT. J. BATES DICKERSON,
Ass't. Adjt. Gen. 1st and 2d Brigades, 6th Division.

CAPTAIN: -- I have the honor to report the part taken by the 21st Mo. Vols. in the engagement before Corinth, Miss., October 3 and 4, 1862. On the afternoon of Oct. 2, 1862, I was relieved from outpost duty and command of the post of Kossuth, Miss., by Col. Smith, 43d Ohio. We returned to our camp at Corinth, Miss., the same night, arriving at 3 o'clock a.m. About 4:30 a.m. we heard artillery fire some distance to the front; the battalion was formed promptly in line, and shortly after we were directed to take position upon the Memphis & Charleston R.R. in support of battery E; here we remained until 9 a.m., when we were ordered to march two miles to the front and take position upon a high ridge to the left of the Memphis & Charleston R.R., and upon the extreme left of the line of battle, continuously with the 16th Wisconsin Vols., of the 6th Division, and two regiments of Gen. Davie's Division who were stationed immediately to the right of the railroad. We had been in position but a few minutes when the enemy opened fire on our flank and front. we replied promply and continued showing the most determined resistance, the enemy being in so far superior numbers that we were temporarily driven from the line. About this time my horse was shot under me, bruising severly my amputated leg. I here turned the command over to Major Moore, who, with great gallantry, assisted by the officers of the regiment, rallied the men and repeatedly drove the enemy from the hill. The fire to the right became very severe, -- the regiment stationed there, and battery, gave way before the masses of approaching enemies. Seeing this, and our men being nearly out of cartridges, having fired forty rounds, the battalion was ordered to fall back, which was done in good order and firing. It is with pleasure I notice the bravery of my field staff and line officers-- they wre equal to the emergency. Corporal Jesse Roberts, Company I, 21st Mo. Inf. Vols., showed great bravery; he gallantly seized the colors (after Color Sergeant had fallen back), causing great enthusiasm among the men. Respectfully, your obedient servant.

D. Moore
Col. Com'd'g 21st Mo. Inft. Vols.

The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies - Series I, Volume 17 (Part 1) Page 346 No. 91

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