The McHenry County Civil War Round Table met Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Woodstock, Illinois, library and heard a talk onte Battle of Holly Springs by Jerry Allen. We had earlier heard him give a talk about the 8th Wisconsin The commander of the 8th Wisconsin was Colonel Robert Murphy. He played a part in the Union disaster at Holly Springs, Mississippi, on December 20, 1862.
This caused General Grant's planned attack on Vicksburg to be delayed until the next spring. Grant was depending the supplies at Holly Springs to support his advance on that city.
And, Murphy went far beyond his level of competence.
Earlier in 1862, the Union forces made great strides coming up the Mississippi River from New Orleans. By April 29, 1862, New Orleans was in their control, followed by Baton Rouge on May 9 and Natchez on May12. Union naval commander S.P. Lee even went to Vicksburg to demand its surrender. James Autry refused to do so.
Then, came Holly Springs.
--Old Secesh
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