Williiam M. Perry, 96th., Illinois Infantry.

This information comes from the 96th., Illinois Regimental History.

Pages 176-7., Gen. Steedman replied : "I know we are needed over there, and if satisfied there is no considerable force in our front I'll take the responsibility and go." A little later clouds of dust off to the southeast indicated that the enemy had left the Ringgold road and were pushing down toward the main army, when Gen. Granger again spoke: "Do you see that cloud of dust? That shows where they are." "Yes," said Gen. Steedman, "they are going where the fight is thickest, and I'll go too. " Gen. Granger interposed: "It's a fearful thing, General, to disregard orders and abandon a position in
the face of an enemy." "I know it is," said Gen. Steedman, "but everything is changed since we were ordered here.

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I'll take the responsibility and go." Meanwhile staff officers and orderlies had been sent to the right to ask that the command be relieved from the irksome duty of guarding a wagon road on which there was no enemy. One of these orderlies  was William M. Perry, of Company I, and his experience was a thrilling one. With a comrade he galloped along, only to find, at a sudden turn, that the road was full of Rebel infantry. Putting spurs to their horses they galloped through the crowd, Perry escaping, although his horse was wounded, but his companion falling, doubtless killed. The survivor reached the main army, but the General to whom he reported would not ask him to return. It is probable that still others were captured or killed in the attempt to reach Gen. Rosecrans, as none came back to the left.

Page 882., William M. Perry. Age 16 ; born at Galena, Illinois; school boy ; enlisted from Galena ; was Fifer with Regimental Band much of the time, but served. as an Orderly to Gen. Steedman for several months, and in that capacity had some narrow escapes at the battle of Chickamauga, once riding through the Rebel lines, and at other times passing so near them as to be a special target ; returned to the Regiment when the Reserve Corps was broken up ; although but a mere lad, he passed through his term of service without serious illness, or absence from the command; in. o. with Regiment. Has been a Justice of the Peace for many years, and is merchandizing at Elizabeth, Illinois..