Burbridge's Brigade: Assault, May 22, 1863

During the assault of May 22, 1863, Burbridge’s Brigade formed in support of Benton’s and advanced when that brigade became engaged, taking position on its right with the 16th Indiana on the left, the 83rd Ohio in the center, the 67th Indiana on the right, and the 23rd Wisconsin at first in reserve before being ordered to support both flanks with four companies on the right and six on the left. Ordered by Gen. Carr to send two regiments to reinforce Benton’s left, Gen. Burbridge withdrew the 67th Indiana and 23rd Wisconsin from the line, but the order was soon countermanded and both regiments returned. A 6-pounder gun of the Chicago Mercantile Battery was brought forward by hand with help from enlisted men of this brigade and Benton’s brigade to a position about thirty feet from the Confederate lunette, where it was vigorously served. The brigade held its position until near sunset, when Sanborn’s brigade relieved it and it retired. Its closest approach to the Confederate entrenchment came where the right of the 16th Indiana and the left of the 83rd Ohio stood in the brigade line. The brigade’s casualties were 14 killed, 82 wounded, and 2 missing, for a total of 98.

Vicksburg, Mississippi · United States