Jesse M. Williams facts for kids
Jesse Milton Williams (January 11, 1831 – May 12, 1864) was an important leader in the American Civil War. He commanded a group of soldiers from Louisiana called a regiment. For a short time, he even led a larger group called a brigade during the famous Battle of Gettysburg. Before the war, Williams studied at the University of Alabama and lived in Mansfield, Louisiana.
Joining the War
In 1861, a new group of soldiers called the 2nd Louisiana Infantry was formed. Jesse M. Williams became the captain of a company within this group, known as the Pelican Rifles. This company was made up of men from DeSoto Parish and Natchitoches Parish.
In May 1862, the regiment was reorganized. Williams was promoted to lieutenant colonel. The 2nd Louisiana Infantry fought in early battles like the Battle of Yorktown and the Battle of Seven Pines.
Leading the Regiment
During the Battle of Malvern Hill, the regiment's leader, Colonel Norwood, was badly hurt. Jesse Williams then took over as the new colonel. He led his regiment in many important battles as part of the Second Louisiana Brigade. These battles included the Battle of Cedar Mountain, the Second Battle of Bull Run, and the Battle of Antietam.
At the Battle of Antietam, Williams was wounded in the chest. He had to leave his regiment to recover and missed the Battle of Fredericksburg. He returned to duty in 1863.
Important Battles
Williams's regiment fought under General Francis T. Nicholls at the Battle of Chancellorsville. When General Nicholls was wounded on May 2, 1862, Williams became the acting commander of the entire brigade. His brigade fought bravely on the left side of the Confederate line on May 3.
Jesse Williams continued to lead the brigade during the Gettysburg Campaign. On June 15, 1863, he led an attack on Stephenson’s Depot. This attack helped stop many Union soldiers from escaping after a battle.
At the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2, Williams's brigade was part of a major attack on Culp's Hill. The fighting was very tough. His brigade also took part in another attack on July 3. The battle was very costly for Williams's group, as they lost 291 out of 1,104 soldiers.
Final Days
After Gettysburg, other generals took command of the Second Louisiana Brigade, including General Alfred Iverson and later General Leroy A. Stafford. Williams continued to lead his regiment under these commanders.
In 1864, Williams led his regiment at the Battle of the Wilderness. During this battle, General Stafford was killed. Colonel Williams then took over command of the brigade again, just in time for the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Jesse Milton Williams was killed in action on May 12, 1864. He died during a fierce attack by Union forces on the Confederate lines. After his death, Lieutenant Colonel Ross E. Burke took command of the regiment.
