9 April 1862

Official Report of the Battle of Falling Timbers

Capt. Kearney,

Sir, it brings me great pleasure in submitting this report of the involvement of 2nd Florida Company E in the recent engagement at Falling Timbers, near Shiloh Tennessee.

On the evening of March 29th, I arrived at Shiloh with 1st Sgt. Dorr and 2nd Sgt. French.   We immediately began to establish camp, which was no easy task.  The elements, pests, trees and underbrush proved to be hearty work.  Once established, I made contact with others who made the journey – Cpl. Chilar, Pvt. Schwartz, and Pvt. Witt.  That night, near my tent, I met with Sgts. Dorr and French concerning the lack of intel which we had to rely on.  Specifically, we had not made contact with Col. Welsh or 7th company of Florida Battalion.  Early the next morning, we knew the fight at Falling Timbers would take place.  Not desiring to miss the fight, I ordered the sergeants to prepare to march shortly after daybreak the next morning. 

On the morning of the 30th, I had five men under my command which I lead out of our wooded campsite towards Falling Timbers.  The rain soon began to fall.  The elements proved to be a formidable foe.  Our uniforms soon became heavy under the dark, cloudy skies.  Soon after we came upon Pvt. Montes who was fresh form the night’s march.  Adding his musket, we marched out with 7 of us.  After a march of approximately a mile or so, we came upon a regiment of Confederate cavalry offering sporadic fire toward a wooded area about a quarter mile away.  Behind them was a tree line with what seemed to be dismounted cavalry, but was not sure.  I halted the unit once coming upon a mounted officer.  After inquiring as to who was in command, I was sent to a mounted colonel.  I asked permission for Company E to join the fight.  After being granted permission, we were ordered to hold a line facing the enemy.  I dispersed the men in skirmish formation facing the enemy.  Moments later, the cavalry and dismounted soldiers retreated to the rear approximately 50 yards.  This left Company E the lone company facing the Yankees – which caused much anxiety.  Pacing up and down the line I encouraged the men to take heart and determine to hold the ground order by the cavalry officer.  Soon after we were order o the rear to join the ranks. 

Marching in a flanking maneuver, we join a band of Texas and Kentucky boys of a dismounted outfit.  We were ordered to take the middle of the line as we prepared to march out of a tree line in an attempt to flank the enemy.  After marching into the clearing, it became apparent to us that no flanking maneuver would surprise the enemy that day.  In one skirmish line, we, the Texans and the Kentuckians looked across a vast field fill with fog and smoke only to see a long, thick line of blue coats.  The sight was splendid to behold – if it were not so frightening.  Although we got infantry support on our far right, we still faced a foe marching in dense columns along the rolling landscape, determined to drive us off.  First seeing their bayonets, then seeing them no more – only to have them reappear much closer.  Each man in grey knew the imminent danger, yet followed orders held his ground.  The question was not if we could hold them, but only for how long we might be able to hold them.  Knowing our army was in retreat back to Corinth, every man understood what the day’s work meant.  Holding off the Yankees to ensure the safety of our battered army was our task for the day – maybe for eternity.  No man knew for sure.  We poured as mush fire on the blue coats as we could, only slowing them, never stopping them.  We hoped that the infantry support on our right would detract our adversaries to a different position.  However, on they came as with one mind and one mission:  the sweep the thin, grey line from existence. 

We held -then retreated.  After forming our lines again, we fired upon them for a time, then retreated again.  Each time we reformed our lines it became apparent that it became thinner than it was before the last retreat.  We took heavy losses.  The boys fought with determination and desperation.  Many a soul, if given the chance, would have chosen an easier task.  To fly away to the By and By without experiencing the horrors of the fight would have been preferred.  Yet, the death angel swooped down and caught up many a good boy in his grasp.  The rain.  The mud.  The fight.  The death.  The only glory lye deep in the hearts of those who survived that grand assault.  In the end, we were pushed back as far as we could go.  Whereas death was preferred by some, surrender was the choice of others. 

For those of us among Company E of survived the weather, the fatigue, and the assault at Falling Timbers, we share a memory that will not soon be forgotten.  That day, we formed a fraternity of the heart – never to be broken.  For those who last stand was made at Falling Timbers, those of us who survived will always remember them amidst the smoke, fog, the roar and the fight within our minds.

Captain, Kearney, I am proud to say that each man of 2nd Florida did his duty.  Some to the last.  My words to them before and even during the fight was simple:  Men, you are 2nd Florida – make your Captain proud.  Feeling your spirit with us, they did just that.  Thank you for the humbling opportunity to serve in your steed.  Leading Company E was my proudest moment since donning a Confederate uniform. 

I am, your humble servant,

1st Sgt. W. A. Alonzo

2nd Florida Co. E