Shot Twice and Left for Dead at Fort Donelson

Shot through both hips at the Battle of Fort Donelson on Feb. 15, 1862, 2nd Lt. James Oliver Churchill of the 11th Illinois Infantry spent an uncomfortable, frigid night on the battlefield strewn with dead and dying. As he lay among a heap of dead men, tangled in a tree branch, he took solace in reflecting on European military campaigns, his spirits buoyed by a frozen canteen of coffee. Here's the first half of a vivid letter he wrote to his parents.
"Life on the Civil War Research Trail" is hosted by Ronald S. Coddington, Editor and Publisher of Military Images magazine. Learn more about our mission to showcase, interpret and preserve Civil War portrait photography at militaryimagesmagazine.com and shopmilitaryimages.com.
This episode is brought to you in part by image collector H Shindle: 757-506-9622 or [e-mail]
Image: John Walsh Collection
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[@bat-fq6nl]

Outstanding story!

[@ms.donaldson2533]

My family are Donaldsons from North Carolina. In my grandfather's award from the gas company, his name is spelled Donelson... As well as on some of the census.
To this day, I am unsure how the actual family name is spelled.

[@davidtvedt7597]

What those Soldiers, suffered, time after time, enduring horrific calamities, personal, and otherwise, is beyond comprehension, reminding us of the old saying, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going," as if they had a choice, but one thing always stands out, revealing their level of commitment, with discipline, and courage, most people, then, and now, would not be able, to comprehend or understand? Thank God, for, those gone before us!

[@silverstar4289]

My ancestor was in that campaign, later wounded at another fort attack. It gives insight beyond the military record. Many lay wounded, had interactions with other people, and fought to survive until help came
Colt repeating rifles is a fascinating account of the hodgepodge of weapons the Confederate forces employed. How those unique rifles came into their possession is a story unto itself

[@jojohnston4113]

Ok, Ron. I'm on tinter hooks waiting for the rest of the story!

[@susanschaffner4422]

Unbelievable account.

[@franksmall1313]

Never wait to ask Jesus into your life and save . Jesus is most faithful and never will leave you . Jesus is Lord of all, King, Savior, Friend, and our Hero. We from USA TENN. You all are Loved.