Morgan Lewis Smith | |
---|---|
Born |
Oswego County, New York |
March 8, 1822
Died | December 29, 1874 Jersey City, New Jersey |
(aged 52)
Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery |
Allegiance |
United States of America Union |
Service/branch |
United States Army Union Army |
Years of service | 1861–1865 |
Rank | Brigadier General |
Commands held | 8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry |
Battles/wars |
Morgan Lewis Smith (March 8, 1822 – December 29, 1874) was a Union general in the American Civil War
Smith was born in Oswego County, New York. In 1843 he settled in Indiana, and later had some military experience in the United States Army. At the outbreak of the Civil War he raised the 8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry, of which he was elected Colonel in 1861. He commanded a brigade at the capture of Fort Donelson, and performed well at Shiloh. At these two battles his losses included only dead and wounded, none missing or captured. This was a testimony to Smith's leadership, considering other commands lost thousands to skulkers and prisoners during both battles. In mid-May Smith was transferred to command the 1st Brigade in William T. Sherman's division. Smith's brigade took an active part in the siege of Corinth being the lead brigade in the fight for Russell's House and the attack on the double log house.
In July 1862 he was made a brigadier general of volunteers and served under Sherman in the Vicksburg Campaign. At the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou he received a severe wound, from which he would not recover until October 1863. He rejoined the Army of the Tennessee before Chattanooga.