09/01/2026
On the 1st of September:
1862- A story in the Memphis Daily Appeal, published on the 18th, told the Union account of a battle which had taken place in Madison County on the 1st. It took place about 2 miles from Denmark, and 11 miles from Estanola, on the Hatchie River. Union troops were on their march to Medon Station, on the Bolivar Road, to reinforce the gallant boys of the 45th Illinois, who had been attacked by a large body of Rebels, said to be 5,000 strong. To shorten the march, the troops had left the main road, and were cutting through what was known to them as Britton's Lane, when they were attacked. The advance cavalry kept up a gallant skirmish until the infantry troops and two pieces of artillery arrived. In front of them were cornfields, swarming with Rebels preparing for a charge. The writer said that the ground fairly trembled under their charge, but they were driven back by the Illinois troops. The Rebels then tried to get into their rear, but because of the heavy cloud of dust could not tell that the Union troops had reversed their direction and were prepared for that charge as well. After this second volley, "saddles were emptied in rapid succession, and the rebels skedaddled in double quick." The entire fight lasted about 4 hours, and left 111 dead Rebels on the field, though no Union casualty numbers were given.
Originally published by Ricky Long on his “Today in Madison County History” page.
