The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

13th Illinois Infantry-- Part 4: Heroics at Ringgold Gap

The 13th also were at the siege and capture of Vicksburg and second capture of Jackson, Mississippi.  After that they were sent to Chattanooga and participated in the big Union victory at Missionary Ridge.

Their last major action evidently was in the pursuit of Confederates to Atlanta when they sustained heavy casualties at Ringgold Gap in Georgia, where the regiment lost 67 men, including Major Douglas R. Bushnell on November 27, 1863.  Also lost at the battle were Captain Blanchard and the color bearer, Riley, who was shot through the breast and as he fell got his blood on the banner.

The 13th held their position under Confederate attack for two hours, most of which were without ammunition and at the point of their fixed bayonets.

--Old Secesh

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