Vicksburg: "A Young Lad Named Orion P. Howe"

Union General William T. Sherman wrote this letter, remembering the courage of a 14-year-old drummer boy during a battle near Vicksburg, Mississippi. The boy—Orion P. Howe—would later receive the Medal of Honor for his actions. 

Head Quarters 15th Army Corps

Camp on Big Black, Aug 18th, 1863.

Hon. E.M. Stanton, Secretary of War.

Sir,

I take the liberty of asking through you that something be done for a young lad named Orion P. Howe of Waukegan, Illinois, who belongs to the 55th Illinois but at present absent at his home wounded. I think he is to [too] young for West Point but would be the very thing for a midshipman.

When the assault on Vicksburg was at its hight [height] on the 19th of May, and I was in front near the Road which formed my line of attack, this young lad camp up to me wounded & bleeding with a good hearty boy's cry. "General Sherman send some cartridges to Colonel Malmborg. The men are all out." What is the matter my boy? "They shot me in the leg Sir, but I can go to the Hospital. Send the Cartridges right away." Even where we stood the shot fell thick and I told him to go to the rear at once, I would attend to the cartridges.

And off he limped. Just before he disappeared on the hill he turned and called as loud as he could "Calibre 54." I have not seen the boy since. And his Colonel Malmborg on inquiring gives me his address as above, and says he is a bright intelligent boy with a fair preliminary education. 

What arrested my attention then was, and what renewed my memory of the fact now, is that one so young, carrying a musket ball wound through his leg should have found his way to me on that Fatal spot. And delivered his message, not forgetting the very important part even of the Calibre of the Musket, 54, which you know is an unusual one. 

I'll warrant that the boy has in him the Elements of a Man. And I commend him to the Government as one worthy the fostering care of some one of its National Institutions.

I am with respect

Your Obdt Servt [obedient servant]

(Signed) W. T. Sherman

Maj. Genl, Comdg. [Major General Commanding]

Source:

Sherman to Stanton, August 18, 1863, in the Illinois State Archives as part of Military and Naval Department Record Series 301.018, "Administrative Files on Civil War Companies and Regiments." (Accessed through 100 Most Valuable Documents Online Exhibit, Office of the Illinois Secretary of State).