John E. Smith's Brigade; Assault, May 22, 1863.

John E. Smith's Brigade was ordered to assault the Confederate Third Louisiana redan on the north side of Jackson Road on May 22, 1863. The 31st and 124th Illinois Regiments were deployed as sharpshooters. About 10 a.m., the 23d Indiana advanced by the flank in quick time with fixed bayonets, followed by the 20th Illinois. The leading regiment advanced to within about 100 yards of the redan, filed right, and marched in the new direction until its left cleared the road, where it found in its front a deep ravine covered with a heavy abatis and was ordered to retire by companies. The 20th Illinois advanced on the road close to the salient angle of the redan, turned obliquely to the left, and found shelter on the slope of the ridge in front of the Confederate intrenchment. At 2 p.m., the 45th Illinois, under command of Major Luther H. Cowen, advanced on the road by the flank with fixed bayonets, supported by the 20th Ohio of the second brigade. The leading regiment advanced close to the salient angle of the redan, filed obliquely to the left, and found shelter on the slope of the ridge immediately in rear of the 20th Illinois. Both regiments remained in the positions gained until the evening of the 23d, when they retired. Under orders, the 20th Ohio was not ordered forward. Major Cowen was killed at the head of his regiment. Casualties were 23 wounded in the 20th Illinois; 3 killed and 21 wounded in the 31st Illinois, including Captain Horace I. Bowyer mortally wounded; 1 killed, 19 wounded, and 2 missing in the 45th Illinois, including Major Luther H. Cowen killed; 2 wounded in the 124th Illinois; and 3 killed and 7 wounded in the 23d Indiana, including Lieutenant Christian C. Zulauf killed, for an aggregate of 7 killed, 72 wounded, and 2 missing, total 81.

Vicksburg, Mississippi · United States