Wilder's Brigade

Wilder's Brigade, part of Reynolds' Division in Thomas' Corps under Colonel John T. Wilder, included the 92d Illinois under Colonel Smith D. Atkins, the 98th Illinois under Colonel John J. Funkhouser, the 123rd Illinois under Colonel James Monroe, the 17th Indiana under Major William T. Jones, the 72nd Indiana under Colonel Abram O. Miller, and Indiana Light, 18th Battery under Captain Eli Lilly. On September 17 and 18, 1863, Wilder's Mounted Infantry took position at this point, with troops thrown forward to hold Alexander Bridge. He was sharply attacked during the forenoon of September 18, but held his ground and drove off the enemy. About 2 p.m., while the 72d Indiana, seven companies of the 123rd Illinois, and a section of two guns from his battery were absent assisting Minty below Reed's Bridge, he was attacked by Walthall's Brigade of Liddell's Division, advancing to force a crossing of the river. Walthall was successfully resisted, suffering a loss of 105 men. Followed by Govan's Brigade of the same division, he then moved down the river to Byram's (Lambert's) ford, where the division crossed to the west side at dark. About 5 p.m. Wilder was threatened by Hood's column advancing from Reed's Bridge, upon which he slowly withdrew to a point east of the LaFayette Road near Viniard's house, where, joined by the troops he had dispatched to Minty's assistance and by two regiments of Wood's Division, he repulsed an attack at 9 p.m. and held his brigade in close contact with Hood's forces throughout the night.

Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia · United States