Colonel Thomas J. Davidson's Brigade

In Brigadier General Bushrod R. Johnson's Division, Colonel Thomas J. Davidson's Brigade included the 3d Mississippi under Lieutenant Colonel Joseph M. Wells, the 8th Kentucky under Lieutenant Colonel Hylan B. Lyon, the 7th Texas under Colonel John Gregg, and the 1st Mississippi under Lieutenant Colonel Alexander S. Hamilton. On February 12, 1862, the brigade occupied trenches astride the Old Forge Road on the left of Wharton’s Brigade, with the regiments formed from right to left in the order named. On February 15 at 4 A.M., because of Davidson’s indisposition, Colonel John M. Simonton of the 1st Mississippi assumed command and withdrew the brigade from the trenches. It formed in column behind the crest of the hill in rear and to the left of the rifle pits, moved out at 5 A.M., at first followed behind Baldwin’s Brigade, then shifted by the right flank along the ravine in front of the intrenchments to avoid obstacles. After moving less than 400 yards, the brigade came under fire and deployed in line of battle with the 7th Texas, 1st Mississippi, 8th Kentucky, and 3d Mississippi from right to left. It advanced up the hill, loading and firing as it moved against the left of General McClernand’s Division. After more than an hour of fighting in which the Federal troops contested every inch of ground, and with ammunition running low, Simonton’s Brigade charged the Federal line, forcing it to give way and withdraw to the next ridge. The brigade halted to reorganize, then, reinforced on its left by the 36th Virginia, renewed the attack, drove the opposing force from that position, captured four guns, and continued in pursuit for more than a mile, gaining the ground occupied by McClernand’s Division. It then halted along the wooded ridge running southeast from Wynn’s Ferry Road nearly opposite Maney’s Battery and remained there until ordered back to its original place in the trenches.

Dover, Tennessee · United States