The War for Southern Independence » Texas During the Civil War

Whitfield's Legion and the Battle of Iuka

by A. W. Sparks

Texas During The Civil War [The following article is excerpted from The War Between the States as I Saw It by A. W. Sparks 1901]

Though not exactly in its proper connection, the original organization of Whitfield's Legion will be given here, together with a statement of its participation in the battle of Iuka. As this data came anonymously by mail, the author does not know to whom his thanks are due for the same:

"Whitfield's Legion was organized April 1, 1862, by the addition of nine new companies to Whitfield's Battalion, the companies of the old battalion, to-wit: A, Captain E.R. Hawkins; B, Captain Murphy; C, Captain John H. Broocks; and D, Captain John T. Whitfield; carrying with them into the Legion the same letter designations respectively that they had in the battalion. Major J.W. Whitfield was elected Colonel without opposition. The organization was not completed until April 19, when Captain E.R. Hawkens was elected Lieutenant-Colonel, and Private S. Holman, Major. The command was composed of eleven companies from Texas and two from Arkansas, up to, and a short time after the reorganization, when the Arkansas Company B - Captain W. Catterson - was transferred to an Arkansas command. At the re-organization' (May 8, 1862), all the field officers were re-elected, and the companies were commanded by the following officers: A, Captain J.N. Zackry; B, Captain W. Catterson (vice Captain Murphy); C, Captain John H. Broocks; D, Captain John T. Whitfield; E, Captain B.H. Norsworthy; F, Captain Ben Griffin; G, Captain Ed. O. Williams; H, Captain _____; I, Captain Jesse M. Cook; K, Captain _____; L, Captain _____; M, Captain O.P. Preston; N, Captain _____. Major Holman resigned, and Captain John H. Broocks was promoted in his stead. On may 9, 1863, Colonel Whitfield was appointed Brigadier-General, after which, Lieutenant-Colonel Hawkins was promoted Colonel, Major Broocks, Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain John T. Whitfield, Major.

"On September 19, 1862, the Legion participated in the Battle of Iuka. It occupied the position on the right of the brigade. When the skirmishers were driven back, Colonel Whitfield ordered a charge. The Third Texas, which had been thrown forward as skirmishers seeing us advance, fell into ranks with us, and thus formed - as one regiment - we captured the Ninth Ohio battery, driving the enemy before us. The Forty-second Iowa attempted to make a right-wheel, so as to enfilade the line, but three companies, and about seventy men of the Third Texas, charged, and drove it in confusion from the field. In this engagement, the three Cook brothers, of the Legion, greatly distinguished themselves for cool intrepidity and loyal devotion to the flag of the Confederacy. Ensign Ivey Cook was shot down, severely wounded, when his brother, Samuel, seized the regimental colors, and waved them with a cheer of triumph. But he advanced but a few steps, when he, too, was shot down; when a third brother, young Andrew Cook, grasped the staff from his relaxing hold, exclaiming: 'The flag shall wave, though the entire Cook family is exterminated in the attempt!' Colonel Whitfield was severely wounded. The loss of the regiment was 107 killed and wounded. On October 5, 1862, the Legion participated in the engagement at Hatchie Bridge, while the battle of Corinth was in progress. We were first formed on the north bank of the river; were then moved to the south bank, and formed in line, with the river in our rear. We were attacked by an overwhelming force and driven back. Our loss was very great in prisoners, as the bridge was torn in pieces by the enem's shell, and the means of passing the stream was difficult and dangerous. Our loss, during the engagement, was ninety- seven in killed, wounded, and prisoners."

The author regrets that he does not know to whom he is indebted for the above extract; but, knowing the general correctness of the statements given, he has no hesitation whatever in embodying it in the narrative of the services of the Texas Brigade.

SOURCE: The War Between the States as I Saw It by A. W. Sparks 1901