In honor of Pvt. Nathan R. Oakes, CSA

150 years ago, my great grandfather, Nathan Richardson Oakes, served as a private in Company D of the distinguished 32nd Mississippi Infantry Regiment in the Army of Tennessee. He participated in the great Civil War campaigns, including the battles of Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, and Bentonville. I am writing about his engagements as well as some details about fighting for the Lost Cause. I hope to honor him and commemorate the events and individuals that contributed to making this a renowned unit in the Confederate Army of Tennessee.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

The eve of the Battle of Perryville, 1862


Arriving near Perryville, Kentucky, on today’s date in 1862, Union Gen. Don Carlos Buell's cavalry engaged the Confederate rearguard. When Buell learned that Confederates forces were deploying infantry near the town, Buell resolved to launch an attack the next day. Due to delays in bringing his men forward, Buell was forced to alter his plans and set the attack for October 9. However, his Army of the Ohio suffered a reverse on this date when Buell was thrown from his horse and injured. Unable to ride, he established his headquarters 3 miles from the front and effectively played no role in the approaching battle, which Confederate Gen. Bragg will force by attacking on the 8th.

Perryville, 1862
Source: Civil War Trust

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