After the battle, Capt. Hill, Lt. Lamoreux, Sgts. Griffin and Miller, newly promoted Cpl. Mountford, Pvts. Hood, Lamoreux, Erickson and Musician Lamoreux travelled by wagon caravan en route to Indian Territory.

 

After meeting retreating Johnnies at one watering hole, we pushed on to Winstead Hill, a Civil War memorial and vantage point just outside Franklin.  We drove that night to Pickwick Landing State Park, sleeping in the wagons there.

 

The next day we visited Shiloh National Military Park.  shiloh is of special significance to the men of the 77th Pa, as it was the site of the first battle in which the original 77th Pa participated.  (From there they fought in practically every battle of the Army of the Ohio and the later Army of the Cumberland.) A memorial to the 77th  from the state of Pennsylvania, to the only regiment from that state to participate in the battle, adorns a corner of the "Review Field" in the park.

 

Seeing the monument and the signs signifying the placement of the original 77th Pa was particularly moving to us.  It was a humbling experience.  It made us all realize the importance of who those men were and what they did for our country.  It also made us feel the honor and duty we have assumed in trying to emulate those heros.  We want to make them proud as they look down on us from the beyond.

 

To that end, we intend to redouble our efforts at drill, especially skirmish drill, because in nearly every major battle (Shiloh, Perryville, Stone's River, Franklin) they were deployed as skirmishers for their brigade.  No offense to the fine soldiers of the 1st US, but we practice hard as skirmishers and respectfully request Capt. Hill suggest to headquarters that we be used as skirmishers for the Brigade.

 

Also, we intend to visit the Memorial next year, when we attend the Battle of Corinth, and perhaps place a wreath at the sit with possibly and attendant ceremony.