Scottish General at Shiloh and Corinth In honor of the Scottish vote for independence today we are featuring John McArthur born in Erskine, Scotland in 1826, where he learned the trade of blacksmith. At the age of 23 he emigrated to the United States becoming manager of the Excelsior Iron Works at Chicago. McArthur had not forgotten his Scottish roots though, and in May 1855 organized a militia unit known as the Highland Guard. Captain McArthur drilled them into one of the best volunteer companies in Chicago. The members were “Scotchmen and their uniform was the Highland garb - kilts.” In 1859, when the Centennial celebration of the birth of Robert Burns was observed, the Highland Guards was the most picturesque division in the great parade. When the Civil War started, Highland Guard would become a company of the 19th Illinois but McArthur would start a new unit, the 12th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, known as the 1st Scotch Regiment, who wore Scottish Caps and gray militia uniforms but no kilts. They would see their first serious action at Fort Donelson, where Lt. Col. Augustus Chetlain commanded the regiment while McArthur led a brigade that included the Guard. McArthur was promoted to Brigadier General in March and would lead the “Highland Brigade” at Shiloh with many of the men outfitted in Scottish caps. The 12th Illinois would fortunately be issued new blue uniforms to change into as they marched into battle on the Union left flank. Near the Peach Orchard McArthur led the 12th Illinois and partly German 9th Illinois. They would be outflanked and come under heavy fire with the 9th Illinois suffering almost 60% casualties. McArthur would receive a painful wound in the foot but would return to duty the next day. He would take leave on April 18 but would return in time to command his brigade at Corinth where he effectively delayed the Confederate attack. He would lead the 6th Division during the Vicksburg Campaign, and his command would break the Confederate left at Nashville on December 16, 1864 approximately 150 years ago. He would lead his Division in the last major campaign of the war at Mobile in April 1865, which was captured on April 12th, four days after Lee’s surrender. When the war ended McArthur would be promoted to brevet (honorary) major general and return to Chicago but was never able to restore his fortunes. He would serve as city postmaster and Commissioner of Chicago Public Works during the Chicago Fire. He would die of a stroke in his Chicago home on May 15, 1906. Pictures. Gen. John McArthur, The Scottish Flag, 12th Illinois soldier with Scottish cap
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 15:09:18 +0000
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