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Transcribed from Official Souvenir McPherson County, July
4, 1917
by Lu Hickey 
Major General James Birdseye McPherson was one of the most promising generals
of the Union army and at the time of his heroic death was in command of the Army of the
Tennessee. On July 22, 1864, his command was engaged in defending an attempt by the
Confederates to crush the left wing of Sherman's army which was advancing upon Atlanta,
Ga. In reconnoitering during that battle he rode through a gap between two corps of his
command and was shot from his horse by the enemy, expiring almost instantly. He was
succeeded by General John A. Logan.
General McPherson was born at Clyde Ohio, Nov. 14, 1828, and owing to his father's failing
health was thrown on his own resources at the age of 13. For years he worked as store boy,
utilizing every spare moment to get an education. At nineteen he was named as cadet and
graduated from West Point in 1853. He was employed by the government as engineer and at
the opening, of the war organized a company of engineers and got actively into the
fighting. By extraordinary skill, ability and bravery he won such distinction that he
rapidly rose from one post to the next until in March, 1864, he was given command of the
Army of Tennessee.
But two army commanders were killed during our terrible Civil War, Albert Sidney Johnston,
at Shiloh, April 6th, 1862, and James Birdseye McPherson, in front of Atlanta, July 22d,
1864.
It has been stated that General McPherson rashly and unnecessarily threw his life away;
that he was far in advance of his own troops, and that he foolishly exposed himself to
bullets of the enemy. This is not true. He was a man who feared no danger and shirked no
responsibility, but was never fool-hardy nor rash. His fellow-officers and his men know
that he fell while in the discharge of his duties as commander of the army, on the verge
of a terrific fight with a daring and desperate enemy, who, under a new commander, was
attempting to reach his flank and rear. General Sherman, in his official report of his
death, shows that he had left his headquarters but a little time before and was on his way
to see in person to the execution of orders the success of which seemed to involve the
fortunes of the day and the salvation of his army.
In personal appearance McPherson was eminently prepossing. He was six feet high, of
remarkable physical development, graceful carriage and pleasing manners. He blended in the
most happy manner "the grace and gentleness of the friend with the dignity, courage,
faith and manliness of the soldier." He loved his boyhood home and kindred, and there
he was almost idolized even before he had won honors and fame. At the time of his death he
was betrothed to a beautiful young lady in Baltimore, the matrimonial union with whom had
been postponed on account of the pressing demands of the Atlanta campaign.
Tribute by General Sherman
General W. T. Sherman said in an address at the dedication of
a monument to General McPherson at Clyde, Ohio:
"I have endeavored on many occasions by words spoken and by letters written to bear
testimony to the noble character of General James Birdseye McPherson. I have heard others
describe his personal traits and eulogize his many virtues, conspicuously so Generals
Logan, Strong and Hickenlooper, his comrades and warm friends. My mind rapidly runs back
and I see McPherson plainly on his black charger, bright, cheery, strong and hopeful; one
of the best types of knightly grace united to mental strength and genial humor of all my
acquaintances.
"In 1857 I met McPherson in New York and was attracted to him because of his
intelligence and his manly bearing - also because he was from Ohio and had graduated at
the head of the class at West Point. There it was my first acquaintance began and it
continued without interruption until I saw him last alive, Howard House, near Atlanta,
Ga., whence I sent his body to his home at Clyde for burial. From New York, late in 1857,
he was ordered to California, and when the Civil War broke out in 1861 he came back, and
again we met in St. Louis, where he was an aide-de-camp to General Halleck, before the
battle of Shiloh. He was with General Grant at Henry and Donelson, and afterwards was sent
with me up the Tennessee river, as a staff officer, to represent, first, General C. F.
Smith and later, General Grant, in the attempt to reach the Charleston Railroad at
Burnsville, and then to assist at Pittsburg Landing, preliminary to the great campaign
there to begin. McPherson was still at that time technically an aid-de-camp of General
Halleck, who remained at St. Louis, but he had wisely permitted this young, enterprising
and gallant engineer officer to go ahead, as he always wanted to go, with the advance of
the leading column. McPherson, however, was not content to remain in the capacity of a
staff officer, but sought for command. To do acts and not merely to advise. His
natural place was as a leader of men, the highest sphere in military life. This he
attained at Corinth, and thence forward as a Brigidier General and Major General at
Corinth, Oxford, Vicksburg, Chattanooga and Atlanta, he performed deeds which are fully
recorded, and place his name honorably and worthily in the catalogue of the great generals
of the world. Events followed each other in such quick succession that at this distance of
time all seem projected into one grand result, but the years 1863 and 1864 were big with
events which will influence the destiny of America for centuries to come. Days were as
months' and months as years of ordinary limit. McPherson, a youth, grew from a lieutenant
of engineers to be a corps commander, an army commander, promotion as rapid as ever marked
the progress of the mighty men in the days of Napoleon, but, like a brilliant meteor,
'Loved of the Gods,' his young life went out before we had achieved the full measure of
the work demanded of us by the times."
The Battle of Atlanta
On the afternoon of July 20, 1864, the Army of the Tennessee under General McPherson moved
through the town of Decatur and engaged the enemy in a fierce conflict, finally, at dark
driving him into his defenses at Bald Hill, a mile and a half from Atlanta. This was the
first of a three-day fight for the possession of Atlanta. The next day Bald Hill was taken
after an awful conflict and the trenches of the enemy occupied during the night. At 4
o'clock on the morning of the 22d General McPherson was directed to move after the enemy,
who had retired into Atlanta. General Hood, the class and room-mate of General McPherson
at West Point, had succeeded to the Confederate command and McPherson, knowing his
impetuous nature, was sure the day would bring forth the fierciest struggle of the
campaign. Carefully he placed his troops and received the sanction of General W. T.
Sherman.
After a hurried inspection of all the Union positions, the generals sat down to a hasty
noon lunch, as everything seemed quiet. Hardly had they finished their lunch than shots
were heard and the battle was on. With the best possible disposition of the different
commands there was a gap of nearly three-fourths of a mile between the left of the
17th Corps and the right of the 16th. General McPherson was watching this gap and as the
battle progressed found that it was advisable to close it. News came that the enemy
infantry was moving out of Atlanta toward this gap and General McPherson at once asked
General John A. Logan to send a brigade to fill the gap. This was the last order he gave.
At once he dashed up the road in this gap and before he had gone 150 yards was killed. No
one was with him except his orderly, A. J. Thompson, who was riding a little behind the
general. Thompson's own words are:
"All at once the rebels rose on our left and cried, 'Halt! Halt!' General McPherson
turned quickly from them to the right and I followed. Just as we turned they fired a
volley at us. I dodged down and hung on to the side of my horse and several balls came so
close that they fairly blistered the back of my neck. They shot over me and killed the
General. I saw him fall, and just as he fell his horse ran between two saplings and my
horse after the General's. My head struck one of the saplings, knocking me off my horse,
senseless. When I came to, McPherson was lying on his right side with his right hand
pressed against his breast, and every breath he drew the blood flowed in streams between
his fingers. I went up to him and said to him, 'General, are you hurt?' He raised his left
hand and brought it down upon his left leg and said: 'Oh, Orderly, I am,' and immediately
turned over on his face, straightened himself out, trembling like a leaf. I stooped to
turn him over, when one of the rebels who had come up caught hold of my revolver strap and
jerked it until he broke the buckle, at the same time calling me rough names and said to
me to go to the rear quick or he would shoot me. I know nothing further."
Private George Reynolds of the 17th Corps was badly wounded and in trying to get to the
rear ran across General McPherson lying upon the ground mortally wounded. He raised the
dying general's head, placing it upon a blanket, and tried to give him a drink of water
from his canteen, and asked him if he had any message, but the general could make no reply
and soon expired.
Reynolds said:
"The enemy certainly had possession of General McPherson, and took from his person
his watch, sword belt (the general wore no sword that day), field glass and the book
containing his private papers. I am quite certain that these articles were taken by the
rebel soldiers immediately after he fell from his horse and before he died."
Reynolds was with the general when he breathed his last and they were then missing. All of
them were recovered from prisoners taken during the afternoon, excepting only the watch.
The bullet which killed the general passed through the strap which supported his field
glass, nearly severing it.
Reynolds succeeded in getting to officers and notified them of the death of the general.
During a lull in the fighting his body was recovered and the next day sent under military
escort to his home in Clyde, Ohio, where it now lies near the site of his birthplace.
On learning of the death of General General McPherson, General John A. Logan assumed
command of the army, and in a short time received official orders from General Sherman,
placing him in command.
Transcribed from Official Souvenir McPherson County, July 4,
1917
From the General's Own Hands...
Mr. Enos Frost, of Wymore, Nebraska, a cousin of General McPherson, loaned to the
Unveiling Committee four very interesting relies of General McPherson - a quaint silver
spoon from the General's mess chest, a small photograph of himself, and two letters
written by the general to his grandmother. These letters show so well the noble spirit of
the man that the committee decided they should be a part of this souvenir.
(Unpublished letter of Gen. Jas. B. McPherson to his Grandmother.)
San
Francisco, California,
October
20th, 1858.
Dear Grandma:
I have just finished reading your most welcome letter for the sixth time, and shall take a
few moments this calm quiet morning before the steamer leaves to answer it. It is right
that my best thoughts should be given to you, who have always been so kind and shown so
much interest in my welfare, and I assure you Grandma, that often, very often, both
morning and evening do my thoughts fly
across the broad space which separates us and I see you and recall the counsel which you
gave me as I was about to say "Good-bye" and start on my journey to this distant
shore. More especially Grandma do I feel drawn towards you, now that you are oppressed
with sorrow, and would that I could be near to assist and comfort you. But though deeply
conscious of the loss you have sustained I know that the enduring faith and Christian Hope
which have so long been your shield and staff will not desert you in this hour of trial,
and will do far more towards consoling you for this earthly separation than anything I can
do or say. But Grandma I can give you my heartfelt sympathy, and I can also with a firm
consciousness assure you that you are not left alone nor will not be as long as Mother or
uncles
have a home. Their home is your home whenever you wish to make it so and I only wish I had
one to offer you, - However, my home is where Mother is and there you are welcome. I am
getting along very comfortably, have enjoyed excellent health since I came here and find
my duties pleasant and agreeable to my taste. Sometimes when I think about it and call up
scenes long passed I wonder at
finding myself here. I think the time I was living with you on the farm, fifteen years ago
and Russel came out for me to go home, that Mr. Smith wished me to go into his store at
Green
Springs, was the turning point of my destiny. Of course I thought nothing about the
military academy then nor for three years afterwards, but I feel that if I had not gone
there I should not be where I am now. So far I have endeavored to do my duty to my country
at least and have no reason to complain, rather cause for rejoicing at the good fortune
which has accompanied me, Mother or Emeline has undoubtedly given you an account of my
present station. It is only a mile and a half from the city on a little rocky island named
"Alcatraces" (the Spanish for pelicans), which is being fortified in the
strongest manner. Although my time is principally passed on the island, I have rooms in
town with two of the lieutenants from Fort Point (which is almost 31/2 miles distant) at
which we always meet Saturday evenings. Sunday I most generally go to the Episcopal Church
to hear Bishop Kip with whom I was acquainted before coming out here. I often visit at his
home and like Mrs. Kip who is a New
York lady, very much. The Bishop has a son who is a lieutenant in the army and is
stationed in Oregon. I must thank you Grandma for writing to me, and I shall try to profit
by your advice.
Your
affectionate Grandson,
JAS.
B. McPHERSON.
(Unpublished letter of Gen. Jas. B. McPherson to his Grandmother.)
San
Francisco, California,
November
19th, 1860.
My Dear Grandma.
I cannot express to you the feeling of pleasure which your letter gave me. To know that
you are at home again, safely and well relieves me of a good deal of anxiety. When I first
heard that you had started for York State on a visit to our friends and relatives, I was
apprehensive that the journey would be too fatiguing, but I am gratified to learn that it
was not and that you enjoyed your visit so much. I am still at my first station,
"Alcatraces Island" though I have been absent on other duty a great part of the
time since February last; First I had to make a very accurate survey of a portion of
"Lime Point" which is about seven miles from the city. This, with the field work
and making the maps kept me occupied until August, after which I took a trip for pleasure
into the interior of the State. Making out the "Annual Report" of my operations
and doing a little architectural drawing on my own account kept me occupied until the
middle of September when I resumed work on the island, though I am living in the city,
going
over to the island in the morning and returning in the afternoon. San Francisco has been
very lively during the past three months, though we have not had the Prince of Wales visit
us. However, we have had a veritable prince, viz:
"Prnice Lot Kamehameha," from the Sandwich Islands, brother of the present King.
His coming, however, did not create much of a furor, simply the burning of a little gun
powder as a matter of courtesy. He was a fine smooth black looking fellow, a regular
native or "Kanaka" as they are called, good size and very intelligent, and
having been educated in the United States and in England, spoke the English language with
great fluency. Among other things, independent of politics which tended to make lively
times, was the arrival of the English ships of war, The "Ganges" and the
"Termigant." The former was the Flag ship of the squadron on this coast, having
on board Admiral Barnes and his staff. 0n account of the good sense and discretion shown
by the admiral in the "San Juan Island" affair more than a year ago, the
citizens of San Francisco were very favorably disposed towards him, and desirous to show
him every attention. The pleasure of so doing was greatly enhanced by the affable and
courteous manner of the Admiral and the agreeable manner of his subordinate officers.
Almost every house was thrown open to them, and there were balls and dinner parties
innumerable. I saw a good deal of them and although as general thing, I am rather
prejudiced against Englishmen, I was forced to
acknowledge that they were a clever set of fellows. I was quite surprised to hear that all
Aunt Rowena's Boys but one are married. A quiet country life must be more conducive to
matrimony than a roving soldier's life like mine. Perhaps my turn will come some of these
days, though I must say I never have given the subject much serious consideration. At all
events, I do not expect to find my better half in
California. When thinking of Home my thoughts always wing their way to Clyde and stop in
the family circle composed of yourself Mother, Emma, Rus., Rilly and Mattie. Aunt Lydia,
how many, many years have elapsed since I have seen her! How I wish that I could see her
and try to cheer her in her sad affliction. When you write you must give her my warmest
love. I have now been out here three years, and according to the regulations of the
service one year more ought to finish up my tour of duty on this coast, but it may be that
I will be kept out here longer, as the rule is not an invariable one. You must give my
love to mother and all at home, also to Uncle Norton's and William's folks, - and I wish
my dear
Grandma you would write to me as often as you can.
Your
affectionate Grandson,
JAMES |
