Jonesborough Union order of battle facts for kids

The Union Army was a huge fighting force during the American Civil War. This page lists the different units and their leaders who fought for the Union side in the Battle of Jonesborough. This important battle happened on August 31 and September 1, 1864. It was a key part of the Atlanta Campaign, where Union forces tried to capture the city of Atlanta. Knowing the "order of battle" helps us understand how the armies were organized and who was in charge during the fight.

Understanding Military Ranks and Terms

To help you understand the army's structure, here are some common abbreviations and terms used for military ranks and battle outcomes:

Military Ranks Explained

• MG = Major General: A very high-ranking officer, usually in charge of a large group of soldiers called a corps or even an entire army.
• BG = Brigadier General: A general officer, typically leading a brigade (several regiments).
• Col = Colonel: An officer who commands a regiment.
• Ltc = Lieutenant Colonel: An officer ranking just below a colonel, often second-in-command of a regiment.
• Maj = Major: An officer ranking below a lieutenant colonel, often leading a battalion (part of a regiment).
• Cpt = Captain: An officer who commands a company (a smaller group of soldiers).
• Lt = Lieutenant: A junior officer, often leading a platoon (a small group of soldiers).

Other Important Terms

• w = Wounded: Means the person was injured during the battle.
• mw = Mortally Wounded: Means the person received a wound that later caused their death.
• k = Killed: Means the person died during the battle.

Military Division of the Mississippi

This was the largest Union command in the western theater of the war.

• Commander: Major General William T. Sherman

General Sherman had a team of officers helping him:

• Chief of Artillery: Brigadier General William F. Barry (in charge of all cannons)
• Chief of Staff: Colonel Joseph D. Webster (helped manage the army's daily operations)

A special unit protected the headquarters:

• 7th Company, Ohio Sharpshooters: Led by Lieutenant William McCory

Army of the Cumberland

This army was a major part of General Sherman's forces.

• Commander: Major General George Henry Thomas

General Thomas also had his own headquarters staff:

• Chief of Staff: Brigadier General William D. Whipple
• Chief of Artillery: Brigadier General John M. Brannan

IV Corps: A Key Fighting Force

• Commander: Major General David S. Stanley

This corps was divided into several divisions, each with its own brigades:

XIV Corps: Another Strong Union Force

• Commander: Brigadier General Jefferson C. Davis

This corps also had multiple divisions:

Cavalry Corps: The Fast-Moving Units

These units were important for scouting, raiding, and quick attacks.

• Chief of Cavalry, Army of the Cumberland: Brigadier General Washington Elliott

Army of the Tennessee

This was another major Union army under General Sherman's overall command.

• Commander: Major General Oliver O. Howard

XV Corps: Fighting in the West

• Commander: Major General John A. Logan

XVI Corps: Supporting the Main Attack

• Commander: Brigadier General Thomas E. G. Ransom

XVII Corps: Another Key Army of the Tennessee Unit

• Commander: Major General Francis P. Blair, Jr.