Major James E. Powell

Numbers 82. Report of Lieutenant Colonel Robert T. Van Horn, Twenty-fifth Missouri Infantry.



Major James E. Powell.

 HDQRS. TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT MO. VOLS, FIRST BRIG., SIXTH DIVISION, ARMY OF WEST TENNESSEE,
Near Pittsburg Landing, April 9, 1862.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor herewith to submit a report of the part taken by the regiment under my command in the battles of the 6th and 7th instant. The regiment occupied the right of the First Brigade, commanded by Colonel Peabody, acting brigadier-general, and had the honor of opening the fight on the 6th, the attack being made on its front at 3 o'clock in the morning. By order of the acting brigadier-general three companies-Captains Schmitz, Company B; Eveans, Company E, and Dill, Company H-under Major Powell, were dispatched to engage the enemy's advance, which was successfully done until reenforced by the Twenty-first Missouri, under Colonel Moore. The fighting now became general and heavy, and I was ordered to support with the whole regiment. The enemy had now reached within the distance of half a mile of the encampment, where they were checked and held until near 7 o'clock, when our force fell back to the line of encampment, where another stand was made. The fighting was very severe until 8 o'clock, when we were compelled to fall back still farther behind our encampments on the division, which had by this time formed in line of battle on an elevation in our rear. My regiment had by this time become badly cut up, but they rallied and took position on the right of the Twelfth Michigan, with the loss of several of my most valuable officers. The fighting now became most determined, and continued with little intermission for three hours. The enemy, being thrice repulsed, finally moved to our left.  It was in this part of the engagement that Major James E. Powell, a most valuable officer and brave soldier, fell mortally wounded.

James E. Powell.

Birth: Dec. 19, 1819, Worcestershire, England.
Death: Apr. 6, 1862, Pittsburg Landing, Hardin County, Tennessee.

Missouri 25th., Infantry, Enlisted March 24, 1862, St. Louis Mo. Killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; Was a brave, capable officer, universally like by the officers and men.