>Is there a name to a battle around Yazoo River? My ggg-gf Sidney S Anderson was first announce MIA then dead at >Liverpool Bluff (Heights) Miss.,until they found out he was captured there (either at Yazoo or Liverpool) and taken prisoner >at Andersonville Prison in Georgia.He was a Pvt in Co E 11th IL Reg Inf. This took place Feb 3,1864.His records say he >was "dropped from the previous rolls by error" during that time,exchanged prisoner on furlough in IL Jan & Feb 1865.His >CO was Capt.Solomon Bostwick.He was also a patient at Adams Hosp.and Overton Hosp Memphis,TN on or abt 28 >March 1865.Anyway, I have searched online and in one of my CW books for something in the way of a battle around >Yazoo River.Thanks for any help, Darla Darla According to Dyers Compendium and the OR on February 1st the 11th IL Inf, the 8th LA CT Inf, and the 1st MS CT and Cavalry and "gunboats" moved to attack Liverpool Heights. According to Dyer Union losses were 6 killed, 28 wounded, and 8 missing. Unfortunately the "list" of wounded and killed mentioned is not in the OR. The following from the OR is a report of that battle by James Coates Coronel of the 11th IL Volunteer Infantry, including a message from Major General James McPherson: HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES, YAZOO RIVER, On Board Steamer Des Moines, February 3, 1864. On the morning of the 1st of February, I moved up the Yazoo River, arriving at Haynes' Bluff the same evening, taking on a small detachment of the First Mississippi Cavalry, African descent, under command of Major Cook. On the following morning I moved up the river without interruption until within a mile of Satartia, where the enemy were reported to be, when I disembarked Major McKee with the left wing of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and Major Cook with his small detachment of cavalry, with orders to move through the town and toward the bluffs. But few of the enemy's pickets were seen, who fled at our approach. I embarked my men again at Satartia, and on the following morning (February 3) moved up the river to within 2 miles of Liverpool Heights, when the enemy opened on my advance with two pieces of artillery. I immediately moved my transports down out of range and disembarked the troops and made preparations to engage him, having ascertained the force to be Brigadier-General Ross' Texan brigade and numbering about 1,400 men. I ordered Major McKee with the left wing of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry to move upon the extreme left with skirmishers advanced, the right wing of the Eleventh in the center moving in the same manner, and the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, on the right and right center, to move forward with the Eleventh. We were soon warmly engaged, the enemy falling back to a hastily constructed breast-work of logs, &c., where they made a desperate stand. At this juncture Major McKee ordered a charge with the right wing only of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry (the left wing being engaged with the enemy's skirmishers), but the enemy being in far superior numbers and having advantage of position, he was obliged to fall back to his former position under cover of a hill; not, however, without punishing the enemy severely, as could be seen by the removal of their wounded. The Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, in the mean time had moved to the right and had engaged the enemy on the flank, but were compelled by superior numbers to fall back to their original position, being still at close range. Heavy skirmishing now began between my force and the enemy, which continued until nearly sunset, when I gave the signal, and the entire command moved back to their respective boats in good order, removing our wounded with them. From observations I had made I was led to believe that the enemy expected me to renew the attack the following morning, and was more fully and better prepared to meet me, and knowing their superiority of numbers and large advantage of position, and with two pieces of artillery, and as they were out of range of the gun-boats, I concluded it to be a better policy to move up the river, in order to keep them near me, as was designed by Major-General Sherman. On the morning of the 4th, I again moved up the river, and, when nearly opposite the point where we had the engagement the day before, the enemy opened a brisk fire of musketry on the transports, permitting the advance gun-boats to pass unmolested. My men immediately formed temporary breast-works of boxes of hard bread, knapsacks, &c., and returned the fire with good effect. Five of my men were wounded in this affair, the names, &c., of which please find inclosed. From this point I proceeded up the river without interruption to within 6 miles of Yazoo City, where I remained during the following day, when I suggested to Captain Owen, commanding gun-boat squadron, to move two of his boats to Yazoo City to reconnoiter, which was accordingly done. They returned in a few hours, reporting the enemy in heavy force in that place, and were fired upon with artillery, two shots taking effect in one of the boats; also reporting five guns in position and one in course of erection. I have since learned that but two pieces of artillery were there, and but a small force of infantry. Fearing a night attack, I moved down the river again nearly to Liverpool, where I remained until the following morning, when I learned from good authority that the main body of the enemy had left for Benton. I then moved a short distance up the river, when I observed men moving on the bluffs in the vicinity. I immediately disembarked a sufficient force, moving forward a line of skirmishers (with reserves at a proper distance), until we had full possession of the heights, exchanging but few shots, the enemy retreating on their horses back toward the interior. Fearing the small force I had disembarked would move too far from the boats, I ordered the proper signal to be given to return to the transports. The following morning I moved up the river without interruption, and on the evening of the 9th February took possession of Yazoo City. I had disembarked my small force of cavalry on the west side of the river with orders to move up to a point immediately opposite the city. They succeeded in capturing a small body of pickets, which had been left by the enemy, and which were duly forwarded to General McArthur by the next boat. The following day (February 10), Col. E. D. Osband arrived from Haynes' Bluff with the balance of his regiment of cavalry, making a very effective force of about 250 men. At daylight of the morning of the 11th February, I moved up the river, arriving without interruption from the enemy until on the 13th February, when near the head of Honey Island, about 60 Confederate soldiers were observed ahead and on the right bank of the river. I immediately ordered Colonel Osband to disembark with his command and engage them, moving my transports at the same time at supporting distance and my men ready to disembark immediately. The enemy fled back from the river, closely followed by Colonel Os-band, who skirmished with them as long as he considered it prudent to do so, when he returned to the boats, having had 3 men wounded and losing a few horses killed, but had used the enemy severely and succeeded in capturing 3 prisoners. I moved from this point and arrived at Greenwood, Miss., at 9 p.m. on the 14th February, having moved with great caution as far as Fort Pemberton, but found it evacuated. On the morning of the 16th February, I ordered Colonel Osband with his regiment of cavalry to proceed to Grenada, unless he found the enemy in too strong force. He returned the following day and.' reported having been within 5 miles of Grenada, and had learned that it was occupied by General Forrest with his command, but who was reported as moving out from that place. I remained at Greenwood until the morning of February 19 (securing as much cotton, &c., as possible during the time), when I received orders from Brig. Gen. John McArthur, commanding at Vicksburg, to return to Yazoo City and hold that position until further orders (please find a copy of order inclosed). I immediately moved down the river, taking cotton, corn, &c., when found on plantations of disloyal parties, making my descent necessarily slow (report of cotton, stock, &c., please find inclosed(*)). I arrived, however, without interruption further than the tearing off the upper works of the transports by overhanging trees to within 6 miles of Yazoo City, Sunday, February 28, where I disembarked my whole force of cavalry, with instructions to move in rear of Yazoo City and take possession of all the roads leading therefrom. I then moved down leisurely with the gun-boats and transports (giving the cavalry ample time to secure all the outlets from the city), and commenced disembarking my infantry. Before, however, I had my force moved from the boats, I received information that the enemy had attacked my cavalry picket force. I immediately ordered Major Cook, First Mississippi Cavalry, African descent, with a detachment of his command to move out on the Benton road and reconnoiter. I then disembarked my infantry and formed in line, moving the Eleventh Regiment double-quick to the works commanding the Benton road and the Eighth Louisiana, African descent, to the ridge road on the right and commanding the bluff, and stationed two companies of cavalry on the extreme left. About 3 p.m. Major Cook returned, followed closely by a much superior force of the enemy until within range of my line of skirmishers, who drove them back and skirmished with them nearly 3 miles. Major Cook reported having run in General Ross' entire command about 6 miles out from the city, and who were evidently endeavoring to gain possession of the works on the heights before our arrival. The loss in this affair to the cavalry was rather heavy, considering the numbers engaged. I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles and Major McKee to hold the positions they then occupied, the men of their command to lie on their arms and ready for any emergency. The enemy, however, made no attack in force, but annoyed our picket line continually. About noon on the 29th of February, my camp and garrison equipage arrived, and I ordered the commandants of each regiment to select a suitable camp-ground as near their positions as possible, which was accordingly done, and on the 1st instant we were in very comfortable quarters. The enemy would every day make a dash on my advance picket-posts and vedettes, but would retire upon any demonstration being made by the reserves, and, being well mounted, could not be overtaken. Upon the night of the 4th instant, I ascertained that General Ross had been re-enforced by the command of Brigadier-General Richardson (reported to have 800 Tennessee troops). I gave orders to have my picket reserves strengthened by two companies of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry and two companies of the Eighth Louisiana, African descent. Upon the morning of Saturday, 5th instant, a heavy attack was made on my center picket (Benton road), but they stood their ground manfully, and not until the enemy had opened a heavy artillery fire upon the picket and reserves did they fall back to the main body of the regiment. The engagement had now become extended throughout my entire line. I had instructed Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles and Major McKee to hold their positions at all hazards, as their redoubts commanded the entire city, and as long as they were held we had the town in our possession. About 10 o'clock a.m. I discovered a movement on the part of the enemy to flank me on the left, where I had posted a small detachment of the First Mississippi Cavalry. I at once ordered four companies of the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, stationed over a mile distant, to their support. They came gallantly forward double-quick, but before they arrived within supporting distance General Richardson's entire command had entered the city proper, two regiments being between my headquarters and Fort McKee. At this time Major McKee had sent out a portion of Company K, Eleventh Regiment, to open communication to my headquarters, but finding the enemy in too strong force they endeavored to move back to the works, and in doing so the enemy succeeded in capturing 10 of them prisoners. Three of them, however, escaped into the city, informing me that my only piece of artillery (a small howitzer borrowed from the gun-boat Exchange, and which was posted in the redoubt occupied by Major McKee) had become disabled. I immediately sent for another of the same kind, but before I could get it in the redoubt the enemy had gained full possession of the street, and I posted it upon the corners of the principal streets of the city and behind a hastily-constructed breast-work of cotton, and I regret to say at the first fire of the enemy the officer in charge of the gun (Ensign Holmes. U.S. Navy) and his men shamefully deserted it and fled to the boat, but was met by Captain McElroy, commanding gun-boat, who refused them permission to come on board the boat. I succeeded, however, in moving the gun from its position, and procured another squad to man it, and who performed their duty faithfully and with great bravery. The enemy at this time began to crowd my small force, and I ordered two more companies from the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, who responded with alacrity. I now distributed my small force, consisting of A Company, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and six companies of the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, through the streets, in doorways, houses, &c., and commenced a vigorous and telling fire upon the enemy, the howitzer discharging shell with telling effect into the houses the enemy had taken possession of. During this time the enemy were pouring a heavy discharge of shot and shell from six pieces of artillery, doing little damage, however, except to the buildings. In the mean time Major McKee in his redoubt, with nine companies of the Eleventh, and Major Cook with his small detachment of 80 men in the rifle-pits (the rifle-pits having been constructed the day before), and Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles, with his four companies on the right, were doing nobly. Major McKee was for four hours surrounded on three sides by the enemy with six regiments, and three times was he ordered to surrender (orders to surrender and reply of major please find inclosed). During the whole time the enemy had gained his position so as to strike the fort. He had kept up a continuous fire of artillery and small-arms, in which our loss was very severe. About 2 p.m. my force made a desperate charge through the streets, completely routing the enemy and pursuing them entirely through the town and beyond the breast-works in the left, my single piece of artillery doing fine execution. The force around and engaged with Major McKee, perceiving their right falling back in disorder, fell into confusion and began to retreat in great disorder, and the major, with only 6 men, sallied from the fort and with loud cheers actually turned the flank of one entire regiment. The enemy now fell back out of range, and his losses must have been very severe, they admitting the loss of over 40 killed, and their ambulances could be seen constantly employed. My casualties of this and previous engagements during the expedition please find inclosed.(*) Before the engagement of the 5th instant, I had received a communication from General Ross, of which please find copies with answer inclosed; also copy of communication from General Richardson, received immediately after the engagement, and answer inclosed. I cannot close this report without expressing my heartfelt thanks and unbounded admiration for the very able support afforded me by the brave Maj. George C. McKee and the officers and men of his command; to Maj. J. B. Cook, First Mississippi Cavalry, African descent, and the officers and men of his command; to Lieut. Col. F. E. Peebles, Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, and officers and men composing his command, and would respectfully call your attention to the bravery, coolness, and ability of these officers. To Capt. N. C. Kenyon, Company K; Adjt. H. H. Deane, Lieut. J. W. Brewster, acting regimental quartermaster; Lieut. Charles A. Peironnet, Company E, all of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, I am under particular obligations. They formed my staff, and acted with all the energy, bravery, coolness, and determined perseverance in the discharge of their arduous duties as they ever have been noted for. To Lieut. Orton Ingersoll, Company A, Eleventh Regiment, and the brave men of his command (who were detailed for provost guard, and for a long time during the engagement were the only company in the streets of the city), I desire to bespeak your most considerate attention. During the advance of the enemy into the city, this company held greatly superior numbers in check and disputed every inch of ground. I neglected to report in the proper place, that at about 11 a.m. on the 5th instant, when I found my position somewhat closely pressed, I dispatched the transport Sir William Wallace to Liverpool (24 miles) to bring the command (or as much as could be spared) of Colonel Crandal, Tenth Louisiana. African descent, stationed at that point, but for some cause they did not arrive at Yazoo City until after the fight was over. Upon Sunday evening, 6th instant, the transports South Western, Mars, and Emerald arrived, bringing orders from headquarters Seventeenth Army Corps to embark all the force, stores, &c., and again disembarking the force at Liverpool. Marching from thence, leaving the troops belonging at Haynes' Bluff at that point, and <ar57_326> bringing those belonging to Vicksburg to that station, all of which, I have the honor to report, was accomplished without opposition from the enemy. I have the honor herewith to inclose a rough sketch(*) of Yazoo City and its surroundings, with the position of troops, &c. I have the honor, colonel, to remain, respectfully, JAS. H. COATES, Col. 11th Illinois Inf. Vols., Comdg. Yazoo River Expedition. Lieut. Col. W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Huntsville, April 2, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to headquarters Military Division, and special attention called to the gallantry and bravery of Colonel Coates, Major McKee, and the officers and soldiers under them. JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major-General, Commanding.