The Impenetrable Support of the 94th Illinois Infantry
As you dive deeper into the fight at Prairie Grove, not only were there tactical plays from General Blunt he also had the support of his fellow general and his soldiers. As Brigade General Francis J. Herron received a message from General Blunt of his assistance, they marched for three and a half days covering 120 miles.1 A significant factor to look at when understanding the battle is the coordination and the solidarity of the units as they fulfill General Blunt’s plan during the battle. A unit we want to take a closer look at is the 94th Illinois Infantry and the role they played into the victory.
Despite the fatigue, sore feet, and lack of sleep from traveling 120 miles, once they arrived on the scene, they formed a line of battle while waiting for orders to advance. On the command of General Herron they were told to move forward with 2 pieces of artillery and were able to get as far as a mile.2Multiple Companies were deployed as skirmishers to aid in the advancement of the enemy’s line. Once they covered the valley to their left and crossed the creek, orders were made to take the line of battle to the extreme left, charging the front and engaging with confederates on the left.They received the first engagement of the battle that day.3 There was heavy fire coming from both sides, but the 94th Infantry despite haven't yet to face the confederates and stood their ground with the enemy pouring down in great numbers.4 They moved their flank to the left and formed another line of battle just 200 yards from the confederates line and was again exchanged with a substantial amount of firepower, but ultimately the enemy fell back thus creating an advantage.5
Not only was the 94th Illinois an impenetrable unit when it came to head to head conflict with the confederates, they were also great support to their fellow soldiers. When called to support battery E as they were advancing 150 yards from the enemy's line they did so diligently and courageously. As well as retrieving a lost caisson that had to be left on the field by Batter E, they were facing loss of men and horses from the overwhelming forces of the confederates.6
Ultimately because the 94th Illinois maintained positions and unwavering actions when confronted by the enemy, they created an impenetrable support. In the words of Colonel William Orme ”the safety of our left wing depended in a great measure upon their efforts.”"They with stood every attack on the left and repulsed the enemy with heavy loss.”7Units like the 94th who brought the fire to the battle and executed orders like well trained soldiers are small parts of this big puzzle that ultimately lead to a victory. This infantry and battle itself is an example of how size isn't everything. Strategy was the backbone of this battle with the confederates having an estimate of 40,000 soldiers and the union having 15,0008.
1 Bill,Kemp, McLean Regiment saw first action at Battle of Prairie Grove (The Pantagraph: December 2, 2012)
2John, McNulta, The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Hathi Trust), Page 132
3John, McNulta, The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Hathi Trust), Page 132
4 Bill,Kemp, McLean Regiment saw first action at Battle of Prairie Grove (The Pantagraph: December 2, 2012)
5John, McNulta, The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Hathi Trust), Page 133
6John, McNulta, The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Hathi Trust), Page 136
7William Orme, The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Hathi Trust), Page 131
8Peter Houser, Peter Houser Letters (The Civil War in Fayetteville: October 28, 2010)
Written By: Mya Smith