Existing comment:
(No number) Baptism of Fire:
The 500 soldiers of the 42nd Indiana were suffering from an intense thirst. Their canteens dry from a recent drought, their commanders allowed these troops to find pools of water in Doctor's Creek, located in front of you.
The men stacked their rifles and filled their canteens with the muddy water. Many of them moved down the creek to your left, where they searched for water near some rock bluffs that rise 20-40 feet above the creek.
Suddenly, the Confederates attacked, and the 42nd Indiana was caught by surprise. The high bluffs trapped many inside of the creek bed, ending any hope of escape. Casualties mounted as survivors dashed out of the banks and up the hill behind you.
Regrouping, these troops joined the main Union battle line. Like many Northern soldiers who fought here, Perryville was their first fight. At Perryville, the 42nd Indiana suffered 20 killed, 133 wounded, and 21 missing. It was a brutal baptism of fire.
When the 42nd Indiana was forced out of the creek bed, Union Captain Charles Olmstead of Company A rallied his men on the hill behind you. "This is as good a place to die as any other," Olmstead shouted. Moments later, he was shot in the forehead and killed. |