The Slaughter Pen

The climax of the Battle of Perryville occurred in the field in front of you. Late in the day, long awaited reinforcements from Union Third Corps arrived just as all seemed lost for Union First Corps. Led by the 30th Brigade under Michael Gooding, they formed their line behind John C. Russell's house and attacked through Russell's yard, driving the remnants of S.A.M. Wood's brigade before them. Soon, however, St. John Liddell's Arkansas brigade arrived and struck Gooding's men. To meet this threat, the 22nd Indiana was shifted from the brigade's right to its left. By then it was dark, and the scene was lit only by a bright full moon. Confusion on both sides over who was friend and foe caused a pause, with the opposing lines within shouting distance. Once the forces correctly identified each other, Liddell's brigade opened a devastating fire that inflicted almost 40 percent casualties on the unsuspecting Federals. This final slaughter ended the Battle of Perryville.

Kentucky · United States