McClernand's Division
U.S.A.
Brigadier General
John A. McClernand's Division
Colonel William R. Morrison's Brigade17th Illinois, Major Francis M. Smith
49th Illinois, Lieut. Colonel Phineas Pease
On February 13, 1862, about 10 a.m., this brigade crossed Indian Creek Valley and took a position in the woods wst of here, within a quarter of a mile of these trenches. About noon, the brigade, with the 48th Illinois attached, received orders to attack Maney's Battery. Forming in line of battle under cover of the woods, the brigade advanced with the 49th Illinois on the right, the 48th Illinois on the left, and the 17th Illinois in the center. A company, deployed as skirmishers, preceded each regiment. The brigade ascended the steep hillside, the troops working their way laboriously through the almost impenetrable obstacle of the felled trees. Approaching to within 50 paces of this line of trenches, the brigade came under severe crossfire of the Confederate artillery and musketry. Although reinforced by the 45th Illinois, which came across the valley from Wynn's Ferry Road and formed on the right, all efforts to take the Confederate position failed. The battle lasted about an hour. Colonel Morrison, gallantly leading his command to the assault, fell wounded by a musket ball. Severe losses finally compelled the brigade to withdraw from action. The 45th and 48th Regiments rejoined Wallace's Brigade along Wynn's Ferry Road. Owing to Colonel Morrison's disability, the 49th and 17th Illinois were temporary attached to Wallace's brigade.
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