Greetings! I am new to this group, but wanted to share that I have been researching my great-great grandfather and his participation in the Civil War with the 53d Illinois Infantry.
Yes, the 53d got wolluped pretty hard in both of those instances. Their charge at Jackson is one of those moments of the war that speak of the brave and loyal character of men during those days. They saw what was in front of them, yet the incorrigible General Hurlbut sent them forward; and they obeyed.
It was there in Jackson that the 53d lost their colors along with so many brave men in a desperate charge against a well prepared foe. Hurlbut wanted to make headlines, and he did.
