VeteransAttic.com Catalog

SOLD!!!

Offered is a great badge worn by veterans of the 9th Michigan Infantry at many of their reunion. The hanger has an eagle standing over two crossed rifles. Attached to the hanger is a drop with the likeness of Major General George Thomas. Written on the badge is "Maj. Gen. Thomas - 1861 - 1865". Written on the back of the drop is "The Rock of Chickamauga - September 20, 1863 - With Peace Who Shall Set bounds To Our Nations Greatness". The badge was made by a Kalamazoo, Michigan badge maker as noted on the back of the hanger.

9th Michigan Infantry
in the American Civil War

Regimental History

Ninth Michigan Infantry.— Cols., William W. Duffield, John G. Parkhurst; Lieut. -Cols., John G. Parkhurst, William Wilkinson; Majs., Dorus M. Fox, William Jenney, Jr. This regiment was organized at Fort Wayne, Detroit, in Sept., 1861, and was mustered in Oct. 15. It left the state Oct. 25, for Jeffersonville, Ind., moved to West Point, Ky., in November and engaged in building field works, roads and bridges. On Jan. 4, 1862, companies A, B, C, D, F and K were detailed to Elizabethtown, E and G following on the 17th, leaving I at West Point. Co. K was sent to Nolin. In the spring the regiment was attached to the 23d brigade, Army of the Cumberland, and moved to Nashville in March, where it joined in the pursuit of Morgan's forces in May, overtaking them at Lebanon and driving them from the town thoroughly demoralized. The regiment engaged in the movement into Tennessee, making a demonstration on Chattanooga, and was in the forced march over mountain roads near Winchester, capturing the enemy's pickets at Sweeden's cove, surprising and routing Adams' cavalry. It was in the engagement at Chattanooga in June and in July six companies were attacked at Murfreesboro by Forrest's cavalry. After a sharp struggle they were compelled to surrender, with a loss of 13 killed and 78 wounded. The wounded officers and men were at once paroled and were afterwards exchanged. The 9th's share in this was most gallant, and it was only when reduced to 137 men and officers, with no hope for reinforcements, and annihilation as the only alternative, that the command surrendered. The regiment was engaged at La Vergne in December and was detailed by Gen. Thomas for headquarters guard and provost duty for the 14th corps. At the battle of Stone's river it checked the rout of the right wing, which was being driven back by overwhelming numbers, and at a time when the panic was extending to the army. The flight of infantry, cavalry and artillery was stopped with bayonet and saber. Col. Parkhurst forcing 2,000 cavalry, 3,000 infantry and 11 pieces of artillery from the demoralized and fleeing troops and repulsing a charge by the enemy. The regiment was engaged on provost duty during the battles of Chickamauga and Missionary ridge, remaining on provost duty during November. In December 306 reenlisted as veterans and were furloughed home in Jan., 1864. They returned to Chattanooga in February with about 200 recruits and participated in the Georgia campaign, being in action at Rocky Face ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Kennesaw mountain, the Chattahoochee river, the siege of Atlanta and at Jonesboro. The regiment was on provost duty in Atlanta during its occupation and returned to Chattanooga Nov. 1 via Marietta. It remained on guard duty at the headquarters of the Army of the Cumberland and on picket duty until March 27, 1865, when headquarters were moved to Nashville, the regiment following for the same duty and for prison guard. It was mustered out at Nashville Sept. 15, 1865. Its original strength was 913: gain by recruits, 1,309; total, 2,222. Loss by death, 292.