Merritt Simonds Post No. 283 GAR, DeKalb, Illinois-- Part 2

From SUV c63

Merritt Simonds joined Company K of the 42nd Illinois Infantry Regiment on August 4, 1862.  He was a new recruit among battle-hardened veterans.  His first combat was at the Battle of Stone's River where the 42nd lost 161 of 350 engaged.

At the Battle of Chickamauga, they entered action late on September 19 and attacked through the Vinyard Field, but were repulsed with heavy losses.  About noon on September 20, the 42nd and the rest of Sheridan's Division were moving northeast past the Widow Glenn house when they were attacked by Hindman's Division and driven from the field.  The 42nd was driven from the field losing 143 of the 305 troops they had.

Merritt Simonds was one of them.  He was wounded and captured after suffering tremendously and not taken off the field until September 26.

He died on October 29, 1863 and is buried at Chattanooga.

--Old Secesh