Raymond in Hinds County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
DeGolyer's Battery and the Artist's Eye
Realizing his cannon could be captured by enemy troops breaking out of the wooded undergrowth along the creek, DeGolyer moved back to a slight ridge about a hundred yards south of here. Eventually twenty-two cannon were arrayed to support the infantry.
While the guns were positioned close to the creek, the artist-journalist Theodore Davis documented the unfolding battle. The engraved illustration on the left, published in Harper’s Weekly newspaper, is the same view toward the bridge today. The sketch on the right is probably an extension of this scene but is relatively unknown. This sketch and the artist’s description verify many details about the battle such as General Logan’s (on horseback) heroic rallying of the troops.
“There is still a reminder of the incident in the form of a scar on my left knee as large as a half-dollar, made by the bullet that killed my horse.”
“Many persons have said that since my duty was only to see, and not to fight, they should think that I would not be shot at, and so did not incur danger of being it .... My most peculiar experience of this sort was having a sketch-book shot out of my hand and sent whirlin over my shoulder.”
Theodore (Theo) Davis (far above), was shot in the knee and his horse was killed at Raymond while making these sketches.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 32° 14.435′ N, 90° 26.721′ W. Marker is in Raymond, Mississippi, in Hinds County. Marker can be reached from Port Gibson Street, 0.1 miles Mississippi Highway 18, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located in the main part of the Raymond Military Park; the above directions are to the parking area for the park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Raymond MS 39154, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. U.S. 8th Battery, Michigan Light Artillery (a few steps from this marker); McPherson's Deployment (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Raymond (within shouting distance of this marker); Eyewitnesses in the Storm (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); King of Battle (about 300 feet away); A "Soldiers' Battle" in the Underbrush (about 500 feet away); Texas Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); U.S. Battery D, 1st Illinois Light Artillery (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Raymond.
More about this marker. Marker is located along the Raymond Military Park walking trail just across Fourteen Mile Creek. It is a ¼ mile walk from the parking area to the marker.
Also see . . . Friends of Raymond. Official website of the Friends of Raymond with detailed information on the Battle of Raymond and the preservation of the battlefield. (Submitted on July 5, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 411 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 5, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.