 The History of the GA 56th Infantry Regiment Vol. 11 of the Confederate Regimental History Series
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The History of the GA 56th Infantry Regiment Vol. 11 of the Confederate Regimental History Series
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HISTORICAL NOTES:
In the spring of 1862 the regiment was sent to east Tennessee, where it served in Stevenson's division in the recapture of Cumberland Gap and the advance into Kentucky. In the fall of that year it was sent to Mississippi, sharing with other regiments of the division in the battles and privations of the campaign which ended with the surrender of Vicksburg. After being exchanged it participated in the battle of Missionary Ridge and the Atlanta and Tennessee campaigns of 1864. In the spring of 1865 part of it was consolidated with the 34th and 39th under the name of the latter, and part with the 36th and 42nd as the 42nd Georgia. It served in the campaign of the Carolinas, which closed with the surrender near Goldsboro.
In the Battle of Vicksburg, on May 22nd, 1863, the 56th showed some of its mettle.
Grant attacked a three-mile section of the crescent-shaped defenses of Vicksburg with all the power he could muster. At 10 A.M. the Federals surged forward against the Confederate lines extending from Stockdale Redan on the north to Fort Garrott on the south. The charge over deep, narrow ravines that added to the man-made defenses of the city was against six strong points and a line of high breastworks protected by dirt and logs. Sherman's troops reached the top of the wall but failed to hold it. McClernand's men likewise managed to gain the barricades here and there, but to no avail. One breakthrough at Railroad Redoubt was briefly succesful, but counterattacks closed the breach. Strong Confederate defenses beat back continued charges. Later Grant regretted making the suicidal attack. Losses were heavy. Of 45,000 Federals, 502 were killed, 2550 were wounded and 147 missing for a total of 3199 casualties.
For all this intense fighting, the losses to the 56th was one man, C. Barry of Company E. wounded.
FIELD OFFICERS:
Col. Watkins came to the regiment with prior military experience, having served as Quartermaster of the GA 9th Infantry Regiment and Lieut. Colonel of the GA 3rd Regiment State Troops.
Lieut. Colonel John Thomas Slaughter had actually enrolled as a private in Company I on May 10, but he was promoted to Lieut. Colonel five days later on May 15th.
Major M. L. Pool had also seen prior military service as Captain of Company K of the GA 3rd Regiment State Troops. He resigned in August of 1862 and Captain James P. Brewster, of Company A succeeded him as Major.
Major James P. Brewster had served as a private in the GA 1st Infantry Regiment (Ramsey's ) prior to being elected Captain of Company A. He was 22 years old at the time of his promotion to Major.
The other field officers of the 56th were:
ROSTERS:
My great grandfather, William M. Day served in the 56th Georgia Infantry until the unit surrendered at Vicksburg.
REF: Mike Day - DayMichael@AOL.COM