The reverberations of the Battle of Stones River, fought fiercely between December 31, 1862, and January 2, 1863, near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, echo through history as a testament to the valor and sacrifice of countless individuals caught in the maelstrom of war. Amidst the tumult of this critical conflict, one regiment’s story stands out as a beacon of courage and resilience—the 11th Michigan Volunteer Infantry.

A Brief Overview of Stones River

The Battle of Stones River, a brutal clash between the Confederate Army of Tennessee, led by General Braxton Bragg, and the Union Army of the Cumberland, commanded by Major General William S. Rosecrans, embodies the Civil War’s strategic stakes and human cost. This engagement, often overshadowed by other major battles, significantly shaped the Western Theater’s outcome and the broader war narrative.

What Led to the Battle of Stones River?

The seeds of the Battle of Stones River were sown months before the first shots rang out on December 31, 1862. This engagement was shaped by a series of key events, territorial shifts, and pivotal decisions that defined the political and military dynamics of the Civil War at the time. To truly understand the importance of Stones River, it is essential to trace the events that brought the Union and Confederate armies into confrontation at Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The Fall of Nashville: A Strategic Setback for the Confederacy

The fall of Nashville in February 1862 was a turning point in the Western Theater of the Civil War. The Confederate capital of Tennessee was the first major Southern city to fall to Union forces following their decisive victories at Fort Henry and Fort Donelson. These Union triumphs, orchestrated in part by General Ulysses S. Grant, cleared the way for Federal forces to move into Middle Tennessee, a region critical for its transportation networks and agricultural resources. On February 23, 1862, Union forces occupied Nashville, dealing a devastating blow to Confederate morale and disrupting their strategic plans.

By the fall of 1862, the 11th Michigan Infantry had entered Nashville, joining the growing Union garrison stationed there. Their presence in the city marked the beginning of their service in one of the most volatile regions of the war. However, the Union’s hold on Middle Tennessee and its strategic hub of Nashville was far from secure. Confederate forces under General Braxton Bragg repositioned themselves to threaten the region’s Federal lines of supply and communication. This looming threat set the stage for a more significant confrontation as Federal commanders sought to solidify their grip on Tennessee.

A Change in Command and the Birth of the Army of the Cumberland

During this time of transition, the Union Army underwent significant leadership changes. General Don Carlos Buell, commander of Union forces in the Western Theater, lost favor with Washington after his perceived sluggishness during the Kentucky Campaign of 1862. His replacement, Major General William S. Rosecrans, assumed command of what became the Army of the Cumberland in October 1862. Charismatic, methodical, and determined, Rosecrans inherited a force needing direction and reorganized it into a stronger, more cohesive unit. Under his leadership, the Army of the Cumberland was tasked with driving Bragg’s Confederate Army of Tennessee out of Middle Tennessee entirely and strengthening Union control over the region.

This shift in leadership injected new energy into the Union cause but also introduced enormous pressure on Rosecrans. The War Department, still grappling with the aftermath of a crushing defeat at the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862, desperately needed a victory. Public frustration over Union failures was mounting, and the War Department demanded movement. President Abraham Lincoln pressured General Rosecrans to take the initiative, as the North needed victories to demonstrate progress and boost morale.

The Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation and Strategic Tensions

The political stakes of the war had risen dramatically after President Lincoln issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, following the Union’s hard-fought victory at Antietam. This proclamation not only declared that slaves in Confederate-held territories would be freed as of January 1, 1863, if those areas did not return to Union control, but it also reframed the context of the war. While initially fighting to preserve the Union, the conflict now carried the weight of ending slavery. This moral cause further inspired Union supporters and discouraged European countries like Britain and France from recognizing the Confederacy as an independent nation. ¹

However, the recent defeat at Fredericksburg cast a shadow over Union military efforts, stirring fears in Washington’s political circles. Without another significant Union victory, the Confederacy’s independence might seem more plausible to European powers, emboldening their support and extending the war. Lincoln and his cabinet needed a decisive win to restore domestic morale and bolster the Union’s strategic position. This urgency pressured Rosecrans to act decisively against Bragg’s forces.

Rosecrans’ Reluctance and the Push Toward Murfreesboro

Despite Lincoln’s appeals and the War Department’s insistence, Rosecrans hesitated to launch an immediate offensive. He sought to strengthen his supply lines, fortify his forces, and carefully plan his strategy before engaging Bragg’s well-positioned army. However, Washington’s impatience finally forced his hand. On December 26, 1862, Rosecrans began his advance southeast out of Nashville, leading the Army of the Cumberland toward Murfreesboro, where Bragg’s Confederate forces had encamped for the winter.

This march into the heart of Confederate territory set the stage for what would become one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. While the two armies clashed in the cedar forests and rocky fields around Stones River, the outcome would carry implications far beyond the battlefield. Rosecrans understood that the stakes extended to the very fabric of the nation. Victory would secure Middle Tennessee for the Union and provide President Lincoln with the momentum needed to formalize the Emancipation Proclamation and solidify the Union’s moral high ground in the war.

A Night of Music and Shared Humanity: December 30, 1862

On the night of December 30, 1862, before the Battle of Stones River, there was an extraordinary musical exchange between Union and Confederate soldiers. A Union regimental band began playing tunes such as “Yankee Doodle” and “Hail Columbia.” In response, a Confederate band played “Dixie.” This friendly exchange continued until a Union band commenced “Home, Sweet Home,” capturing the mutual longing for home felt by soldiers on both sides.

Remarkably, this poignant song resonated across the battlefield in the still cold air as more bands from both armies spontaneously joined in the melody. It became a unique moment when the music unified the soldiers, even as they remained on opposing sides in the conflict. This mutual musical expression provided a sense of shared humanity amidst the tension, and hostilities soon resumed.

The 11th Michigan’s Baptism by Fire: December 31, 1862

The dawn of December 31, 1862, broke with the 11th Michigan already on edge, having risen at daylight, almost frozen and wet with heavy dew, as recorded by Private Ira Gillaspie of CO C.

Relieved briefly by the 18th Regiment of the Ohio Volunteers, the men of the 11th moved to the rear to warm themselves, having spent the night near the front where “The Colonel came and told us that he was sorry, but the orders were such that we could not have any fires on the front for he says our position is a responsible one.” wrote Ira. They built fires with cedar rails and prepared a modest coffee, bacon, and hardtack breakfast. This respite was short-lived; soon, the call to arms, “Fall In, Fall In,” echoed, interrupting their meal.

“Our Colonel mounted his horse and addressed us,” recalls Gillaspie, “Now, my brave boys, be cool and calm, take good aim, shoot low, and be sure of your man. Secrete yourselves and keep a good lookout for your colors, and don’t run until I do.” These words steeled the regiment’s resolve, preparing them to confront the Confederate forces.

The battle commenced with the thunderous boom of artillery and the rattle of musketry. “Boom Boom sounded the loud artillery Crack Crack, and a rattle went the musketry Whew,” Gillaspie noted, describing the chaos as rebel shells whizzed overhead. Bullets whirred by, occasionally taking down their comrades. Schultz’s 1st Ohio Battery (attached to the 11th’s right side)  suffered heavy losses under the relentless assault, with most horses killed and many men wounded.

Despite the Confederate onslaught that pushed the right wing of the Union’s line back, the 11th, alongside the 19th Illinois Regiment, charged forward, delivering a potent volley that drove back a division of rebel troops. The sound of battle filled the air as Brigadier General Stanley and General Negley moved across the field, rallying the men to hold their ground despite devastating crossfire from three Confederate batteries.

Gillaspie recounts, “Our men stood the fire well and fought bravely under the destructive fire of three rebel batteries,” signifying their extraordinary perseverance despite overwhelming odds. During these intense moments, Colonel Stoughton’s leadership earned the respect and esteem of his men.

The bravery of Colonel Scott with the Zouaves of the 19th Illinois was evident. With their right flank aligned along the Murfreesboro and Nashville Pike and the situation becoming untenable, General Negley ordered a strategic retreat, acknowledging the relentless spirit of his troops. “Boys, you have the pluck. I believe you would be shot down before a man of yours would retreat in disorder or retreat at all without an order,” he affirmed.

The 11th Michigan then moved to relieve a depleted regiment, taking their place under fire. Colonel Stoughton confidently responded to General Russeaux’s request for support: “You’re a gentleman, and by God, you shall have it. Take it and hold it.”

As the day dragged on, casualties mounted. Gillaspie notes chaos and bravery, “The rebels had to open for us, and we pored out,” detailing their tactical withdrawal through thick cedar groves while taking and returning fire. Echoes of fierce engagement persisted until nightfall. Amidst retreat, the regiment remained disciplined, loading and firing with determination.

As they crossed an exposed field, subjected to relentless fire, Private Juite King, the Colonel’s orderly, was shot yet remained steadfast until directly ordered to withdraw. Lieutenant Falkner was missing, and Lieutenant Howard had been struck by a grape shot on the knee and left Company C (my grandfather’s company) without a commissioned officer. Finally, the 11th was formed by the railroad, joining the broader Union line. 

The Night of Reflection:

As dusk descended on the first day of battle, the 11th Michigan bore witness to the stark aftermath of war. “Wednesday’s fight concluded,” Gillaspie wrote, his words capturing a night of exhaustion and loss. Many lay wounded or unknown in the chaos, like Lieutenant Falkner with Major Smith. Amidst the chilling echoes of cannon fire and the anguished cries of the wounded, the regiment regrouped, tended to their fallen comrades, and steeled themselves for the trials that lay ahead. Though battered and fatigued, the Wolverines stood resolute, a testament to their unwavering commitment to the cause.

Endurance and Resolve:  January 1-3, 1863

January 1, 1863 – New Year’s Day at Stones River

As the dawn of the new year broke over the fields of Stones River, the 11th Michigan rose from their damp and uncomfortable rest. The regiment prepared themselves for potential engagements, consuming sparse rations as they awaited the day’s developments. Despite anticipating further conflict, the day unfolded with an unusual calmness. “It was quiet all along our line except an occasional boom of artillery and a little light skirmishing,” Gillaspie recalled a stark contrast to the chaos that had engulfed them the previous day.

The men of the 11th Michigan, eager for action yet resigned to Major General Rosecrans’ strategic pacing, maintained their readiness. The regiment, guided by the strong leadership of Colonel Stoughton, exemplified the resolve and composure amidst uncertainty. “All of the officers that [are] necessary in a fight is a good colonel and a good color bearer and a sergeant,” Gillaspie noted, emphasizing the importance of capable leadership and camaraderie. As evening descended, a persistent drizzle began to fall, ushering in a cold night that chilled the soldiers to the bone as they sought rest on the muddy, exposed ground. The air was filled with the sound of coughing, symptoms of the harsh conditions they had endured.

January 2, 1863 – Friday’s Fierce Engagement

The second day of January dawned with the soldiers of the 11th Michigan weary and sore from the previous night’s exposure. They faced another challenging day with more rain and no blankets for comfort. The regiment, forming part of the reserve forces, was repositioned by General Negley in response to the increasing threats. The battle intensified as Confederate forces launched a determined assault on the Union left. “Gen. Rosecrans came to Gen. Negley and said, Gen. save my left. ‘I will save it,’ says Negley,” Gillaspie recounted, chronicling the resolve displayed by the Union commanders.

Confederate troops braved the Stones River as the afternoon progressed, advancing on the Union line. The 11th Michigan, instructed to lie down, endured intense enemy fire that mainly soared overhead. The moment came for the regiment to rise, unleashing a ferocious counterattack that shattered the Confederate front. “Our boys rose, poured a deadly [volly of] fire into the rebels, causing them to about-face and retreat in a most confused manner, our boys following them in hot haste,” Gillaspie noted with pride. The assault drove the Confederates back across the river, capturing artillery pieces, prisoners, and the flag of the A Company, South Carolina Regiment Infantry.

This pivotal clash turned the tide in favor of the Union forces, as the men regained territory lost earlier. Yet, despite the day’s success, the soldiers faced another night of harsh weather. Rain and cold persisted, yet the 11th Michigan continued bolstered by recovered spirit and determination for their fallen comrades. Lieutenant Howard rejoined the company; his knee healed enough to allow his return. Under makeshift cedar-bough shelters, the men stayed committed to the cause, knowing victory was within reach.

January 3, 1863 – Saturday’s Final Offensive

As Saturday dawned, signs emerged of Confederate wavering. Reports circulated that General Bragg’s resolve was faltering. In the evening, General Beatty conducted a bold charge against the Confederate breastworks, overcoming defenses and capturing prisoners. “O, how horrible to hear the sound of booming cannon and the sharp cracking of the rifles in the night,” Gillaspie reflected, mindful of the grim realities of war where each shot carried the potential for tragedy.

Throughout the night, Union soldiers lay on the rain-slicked ground, subsisting on scant provisions of hardtack and bacon. Even as the rebel cavalry under Joseph Wheeler raided nearby, capturing wagons and staff papers, the Union troops held their positions. Sunday arrived without significant engagement, allowing soldiers momentary respite and reflection. Notably, Lieutenant Falkner returned to the company, his absence explained by a cunning ruse—captured and posing as a surgeon to the Confederates, his cleverness allowed his return.

The Battle of Stones River concluded with a sense of Union achievement. The 11th Michigan, through their endurance and bravery, had played an influential role in securing a strategic victory that bolstered Union morale and advanced their cause. Amid relentless fighting and harsh conditions, the soldiers showcased resilience emblematic of their regiment’s valor.

From Stones River to the Emancipation Proclamation

In the wake of the three-day battle, which wrought staggering losses on both sides, the Union emerged with a hard-won strategic victory. Though both armies suffered immensely—more than 23,500 casualties combined—the Confederates were ultimately forced to retreat, ceding control of Middle Tennessee to Rosecrans’ Army of the Cumberland. News of the Union’s triumph at Stones River provided a much-needed morale boost, tempering the despair that followed Fredericksburg. It reassured both the public and Washington leadership of the Union’s resolve to endure. 

Buoyed by the encouraging reports of victory, President Lincoln formally issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. This action built on the momentum gained at Stones River and shifted the Union’s war effort into its next, more transformative phase. By tying the cause of abolition to Union military objectives, Lincoln ensured that the war would leave a lasting legacy of freedom and equality while simultaneously keeping European powers at bay.

Dawn of Victory: The Legacy of the 11th Michigan

As Stones River drew to a close, the 11th Michigan emerged as unsung heroes of the conflict, their sacrifices etched into the annals of history. Their valor and steadfastness during those tumultuous days contributed to the Union’s strategic victory and embodied the spirit of resilience and courage that defined the Civil War era. The legacy of the 11th Michigan Infantry endures as a poignant reminder of the human toll and unwavering dedication that defined America’s tumultuous path to reunification.

In honoring the memory of the 11th Michigan Infantry at Stones River, we pay tribute to all those who bore witness to the horrors and heroism of war. Their story of sacrifice and solidarity is a timeless testament to the indomitable spirit of those who marched into history’s crucible, forging a nation through blood and valor