Personal Memoirs of P. H. Sheridan, Volume 1, Part 2

In this vivid wartime memoir, the author recounts a daring Union cavalry raid deep into Mississippi during the Civil War. Leading the Second Michigan and Second Iowa regiments, he sets out on a night march to strike the Mobile‑Ohio Railroad at Booneville, hoping to cripple Confederate supply lines. The narrative captures the oppressive heat, scarce provisions, and the constant uncertainty of unknown roads that test both men and horses.

The raid quickly turns into a frantic race against time as the brigade engages scattered Confederate stragglers and seizes the town’s rail station. With limited tools, the soldiers improvise—lifting rails, bending them, and using fence‑posts as fuel—to render the track unusable. A sudden cavalry skirmish forces a rapid defensive response, showcasing the grit and quick thinking of the troops. The account offers a gripping glimpse into the harsh realities of Civil War logistics and the relentless drive to disrupt the enemy’s movements.