Headquarters 15th Mich. Inft.
Camp Pittsburg. April 17, 1861
Long ere this you have read a full detailed account of the fight of April 6th and 7th. We went into the battle on Sabbath morning, while all our dear ones at home were listening to sweet Sabbath bells. We did not, however, get into action until about ½ past 1 or 2 o’clock of that day. We were fighting about an hour on Sunday, unsupported by any Regiment whatever, and by only two pieces of artillery. They retreated long before we did, for our boys did first rate, and it was not until we had made the secessionists swallow many a bitter pill, that we retired. On Monday I could not go into the field on account of a slight wound which I received, but on that day the arrangements were still more perfect than on the preceding day. The enclosed (extract from General McCook’s report, appended below) is a merited compliment and one which I trust will be appreciated by the Regiment. A still further mark of Approbation is that but a few minutes ago Col. Oliver was placed in command of a brigade of four Regiments, viz: 18th and 23rd Missouri, 18th Wis, and 15th Michigan. Our men are very much gratified with his success. We lost in killed and wounded and missing about 130. The only officers killed were Capt. Strong and Lieut. Dresser. Our loss comparatively, was very light.
____
The following is the extract from General McCook’s official report, alluded to in the above letter:
“I take great pleasure in calling your attention to the conduct of Col. Oliver, and a portion of his Regiment, the 15th Michigan, when my Division was marching on to the field Col. Oliver at the time unknown to me, requested the privilege to place himself under my command. His Regiment was attached to Gen. Rousseau’s Brigade and during the day was under the hottest fire, when he and his officers and men acted with conspicuous gallantry.
(Official) Dan’l McCook A.A.G
(Monroe Commercial, May 1, 1862, Page 2, Column 2)
Translated from the Cincinnati Daily Volksblatt for the Monroe Commercial
