Monday, June 2, 2008

Third Brigade (Ross & Raith)


McClernand's Third Brigade was commanded by Colonel L.F. Ross, of the 17th Illinois, but he was absent on April 6th. The brigade was then being commanded by Colonel J.S. Reared, of the 29th Illinois, but he was sick. Command finally fell to Colonel Julius Raith, of the 43rd Illinois. Raith found out he was the brigade commander as he formed his regiment. By all accounts Raith did an admirable job as commander but he did not exercise command too long as he was killed during the fighting around the crossroads. I've heard that Raith is pronounced Right, but have heard that as definitive. I've also never found a picture of Raith though I'm sure there must be one, likely in the Illinois archives.

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